At Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Honduras and El Salvador square off in a fierce Central American rivalry as the CONCACAF Gold Cup resumes. After a disastrous start to the tournament for Honduras and a cagey draw for El Salvador, both teams are desperate for points on matchday two. This match could be crucial in determining Group B's future, as qualifying is still attainable.

• Date: June 22nd, 2025
• Time: 02:00 AM UTC
• Venue: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston
• Stage: Group Stage—Matchday 2 of 3 (Group B)

Current Group B Standings

Match Preview: Honduras vs. El Salvador

Honduras: A Nightmare Opener

Honduras suffered their heaviest Gold Cup defeat this century in a humiliating 6-0 loss to Canada. This unexpected collapse ended their four-match winning streak and highlighted major tactical and mental lapses. Coach Reinaldo Rueda now finds himself under pressure to revitalize his side.

In 2025, Honduras has really shined when they’re ahead at halftime, winning every single time with a flawless 100% record. On the flip side, they’ve had a tough time bouncing back when they’re trailing after 45 minutes. Given the pressure of the situation, Rueda could very well decide to make some lineup changes to spark a bit more urgency and energy in the team.

Key Players to Watch (Honduras):

• Deybi Flores: Closing in on his 50th cap; a midfield enforcer.

• Romell Quioto: Uncertain due to injury but remains a game-changer.

• Anthony Lozano: Needs to break a 10-match scoring drought.

El Salvador: Cautiously Optimistic

La Selecta started their campaign with a goalless draw against Curacao. While the performance wasn’t spectacular, it extended their unbeaten streak to five matches. Under coach Hernán Gómez, El Salvador has become a compact and disciplined unit, though they struggle to convert possession into goals.

El Salvador’s squad has shown good cohesion. Mario Gonzalez's clean sheet in goal, combined with a solid backline, gives them a platform to build from. Their attacking trio, led by Brayan Gil, needs to be sharper in front of goal to take advantage of a demoralized Honduran defense.

Key Players to Watch (El Salvador):

• Brayan Gil: 2 goals in his last 3 appearances.

• Mario Gonzalez: Two clean sheets in the last three matches.

• Jairo Henriquez: Key link in transition from midfield to attack.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Honduras—Possible Starting XI (4-1-4-1):

• Menjivar (GK); Rosales, Montes, L. Vega, Melendez; Flores; Palma, A. Vega, Arriaga, Arboleda; Lozano

• Injury Update: Romell Quioto is questionable after a knock against Canada.

El Salvador—Possible Starting XI (4-3-3):

• Gonzalez (GK); Tamacas, Sibrian, Cruz, Larin; Landaverde, Cartagena, Duenas; Ordaz, Gil, Henriquez

• Injury Update: None reported.

Honduras vs. El Salvador—Recent H2H Record

• Last 6 matches: 2 wins each, 2 draws

• Last meeting in Gold Cup: Honduras 4-0 El Salvador (2019)

• Honduras undefeated in Gold Cup fixtures vs. El Salvador this century (2 wins)

Form Guide

Honduras (Last 5 matches)

• Canada 6-0 Honduras 

• Honduras 2-0 Antigua and Barbuda 

• Honduras 1-0 Cayman Islands 

• Honduras 2-1 Guatemala 

• Honduras 2-1 Haiti 

El Salvador (Last 5 matches)

• El Salvador 0-0 Curacao 

• El Salvador 3-0 Anguilla 

• El Salvador 1-1 Suriname 

• El Salvador 1-1 Guatemala 

• El Salvador 1-1 Pachuca 

Match Analysis

Momentum & Morale

Honduras must rebound mentally after being demolished by Canada. Their squad’s prior winning streak suggests potential, but confidence is likely shaken. On the other hand, El Salvador enters this clash on a more stable footing, unbeaten in five and with a more cohesive game plan.

Tactical Setup

Get ready for Honduras to take a more cautious route to avoid getting caught off guard. They might switch things up to a 4-2-3-1 formation to help them gain better control in the midfield. On the other hand, El Salvador is likely to stick with their steady 4-3-3 setup, concentrating on a well-structured buildup and maintaining solid defensive discipline.

Key Stats & Trends

• El Salvador is unbeaten in 5 straight games (W1, D4).

• Honduras has scored in 80% of their last 10 games but conceded in 7 of those.

• The last 5 El Salvador games have gone under 2.5 goals.

• 5 of the last 6 Honduras vs. El Salvador games have had under 2.5 goals.

• El Salvador’s last 3 draws ended 1-1.

Betting Tips & Predictions

• Main Prediction: Under 2.5 Total Goals

• Odds: 7/10 (1.70) – 58.8% probability

Both teams lack a clinical edge, and with the high stakes involved, a cagey affair is expected.

Correct Score Prediction: Honduras 1-1 El Salvador

Both teams may find the net, but the stalemate trend could continue.

Double Chance: El Salvador Win or Draw

Given Honduras’ collapse vs. Canada and El Salvador’s recent resilience, this appears a smart bet.

Pre-Match Current Odds (from stake.com)

Conclusion

Honduras must recover quickly to salvage their tournament hopes, while El Salvador will look to extend their unbeaten run and take a step closer to the knockout stage. Honduras has the historical advantage in this Gold Cup clash, but El Salvador's current form suggests they might have the upper hand. It’s going to be a closely fought, tactical game, likely hinging on a few critical details.

Honduras 1-1 El Salvador

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