The Honduran under-23 side has achieved the previously unthinkable in advancing from Olympic group play over favorites Argentina and Algeria. On Wednesday, Honduras overcame alleged racism by Argentina to claim a vital draw against the South American giants.
Honduran striker Anthony Lozano gave his side the lead with a 75th minute penalty and celebrated by holding his finger to his lips.
After the match, he explained his actions: “I went to shut up an Argentine who made racist comments and I didn’t like it. That’s why I made the ‘silence’ [gesture] after the goal.
“It doesn’t seem correct to me, but hey, that’s how I celebrated…It’s historic what we are doing. We always believed in ourselves and we thank God for this achievement.”
Argentina snatched an equalizer in second half stoppage time, but Honduras advanced on goal difference.
Honduras have achieved the impossible. Photo: @dw_sports | Twitter
Having defeated Algeria in a rollicking opening group match, Honduras have done enough to punch their ticket to the quarter-finals. At the 2012 London Olympic Games, Honduras were eliminated at that stage by Brazil.
Honduras have every reason to believe they can improve on that performance with a quarter-final matchup against South Korea on Saturday.
Lozano, who plays his club football with Spanish side Tenerife, is a big reason for Honduras’ optimism. The 23-year-old striker has now scored two goals at the Rio Games.
Should Honduras manage to get past South Korea, they’d play either Brazil or Colombia in the semi-final round.
(H/T: FourFourTwo)
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