Mexico 1-0 Honduras Player Ratings: Gilberto Mora Rated 8.5/10 as Mexico Defeated Honduras to Secure a Spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Finals

The second semi-final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup took us to California, where Mexico locked horns against Honduras in a bid to secure the last spot in the Finals. Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino took the hosts, the USA into the finals and was also keeping a close eye on this fixture to find out about their next opponents in the finals.

Nobody in their wildest dreams would have imagined a team that began their campaign with a 6-0 defeat to Canada in the opening game would compete for a spot in the Finals. Honduras somehow made it to the knockout rounds after finishing second in the group. They were drawn alongside table topper Panama in the Quarter Finals. Much to the surprise of many, Panama was defeated by Honduras in the penalty shootout to find themselves in the semi-finals. Mexico, on the other hand, were the undisputed table toppers and also comfortably defeated a strong team like Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the quarter-finals to qualify for the semi-finals. They were determined to book their berth in the finals. They showed a sense of urgency from the first minute to break the deadlock. The first half ended in a goalless draw, but a spirited display from the Mexican team saw them net the first goal in the 50th minute via Raul Jimenez. Gilberto Mora was outstanding tonight as Mexico led 1-0. A goal from the Mexican captain was ruled out by the VAR, which kept the game tightly contested. Despite Honduras throwing their everything in the last few minutes, the Mexican defenders did not lose their calm and composure. Their efforts paid off as Mexico secured another victory to make it to the Finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. They will face the USA in the Finals with the hope of lifting the coveted trophy.

Here are the Mexico vs Honduras player ratings:

Mexico National Football Team Player Ratings

Here are the Mexico National Football Team Player Ratings vs Honduras

Goalkeeper

Luis Malagon - 6.5/10

The Mexican custodian just had to make one save in the entire game, as most of the action occurred in the opposition half.

Defenders

Julian Araujo - 7/10

The young Bournemouth sensation had a good game from the right flank to make runs and deep entries into the opposition defence.

Cesar Montes - 8/10

Playing for the Moscow outfit in the Russian top tier, Montes marshalled his team's defence like a valiant warrior with his crucial blocks and interceptions.

Johan Vasquez - 7/10

The Genoa defender was at his best tonight to keep the Honduras strikers out of the game.

Mateo Chavez - 7/10

The AZ Alkmar left back exploited the opposition flank with his speed and creativity from the left flank.

Midfielders

Gilberto Mora - 8.5/10

The Club Tijuana's lovely assist stole the show as his pass was beautifully buried into the goal by Jimenez to give Mexico an early lead in the second half.

Edson Alvarez - 7/10

The West Ham midfielder did a brilliant job to score the second goal, but his goal was ruled out by the VAR.

Marcel Ruiz - 6.5/10

The Deportivo Toluca midfielder had a decent outing tonight in the game.

Strikers

Roberto Alvarado - 6.5/10

He couldn't make much impact on this game as Jimenez and Vega stole all the limelight tonight.

Raul Jimenez - 8/10

The Fulham striker, with so much experience playing in the English top flight, couldn't make any mistake in finding the back of the net from such a close distance, and he scored the first goal of the game.

Alexis Vega - 8/10

An outstanding performance from Vega saw Mexico constantly build attacks despite scoring the first goal in the match.

Substitutes

SUB - Orozco - 6.5/10

SUB - Huerta - 6/10

SUB - Gimenez - 6/10

Manager

Javier Aguirre - 7/10

The Mexican gaffer, with his tactical ingenuity, has taken his team to the brink of winning the Gold Cup. His team selection, formations and tactics worked well as Mexico sealed their spot in the finals.

Honduras National Football Team Player Ratings

Here are the Honduras National Football Team Player Ratings vs Mexico

Goalkeeper

Edrick Mejivar - 6.5/10

The CD Olimpia goalkeeper did a brilliant job between the sticks to make two saves and keep Honduras in the game despite conceding an early goal in the second half.

Defenders

Luis Cristano - 6/10

A not so impressive performance from the right back as Honduras saw a lot of incoming attacks from this flank.

Denil Maldonado - 7.5/10

The best defender for Honduras tonight, Maldonado, made six clearances and a block to put Mexico under control.

Julian Martinez- 6/10

A horrible display of football from the Honduras centre back as he looked ineffective in controlling Mexican strikers.

Joseph Rosales- 7.5/10

The Minnesota United left-back was excellent from the left wing with his accelerated runs.

Midfielders

Dixon Ramirez- 6.5/10

A very disappointing performance from Ramirez. In such vital games, he let his country down after a below-average performance.

Kervin Arriga- 7/10

Arriaga also had a decent game in the midfield and tried his best to push harder for the equaliser from the centre of the park.

Deybi Flores - 6.5/10

A decent game from the Toronto FC midfielder saw him aiding the defence in times of counterattacks.

Romell Quioto - 7/10

Quito was seen making inroads from the left flank, but hardly did his entries trouble the Mexican custodian.

Strikers

Jorge Alvarez - 7/10

Alvarez looked agile, but not having a single shot on target was utterly concerning.

Anthony Lozano - 6.5/10

Two shots from the main striker and both of them went off target as Honduras looked clueless in front of the goal.

Substitutes

SUB - Arboleda - 6/10

SUB - Palma - 6.5/10

SUB - Pineda - 6/10

Manager

Reinaldo Rueda - 7/10

The Colombian manager could have made some more impactful subs before it was too late for Honduras to find the equaliser in the game.

Sportsdunia player of the match award goes to Gilberto Mora.