Perhaps the perception Panama was the underdog against Honduras was misguided from the start. Los Catrachos are formidable in San Pedro Sula, but Los Canaleros have their own qualities. An experienced Panama squad rode its luck to extend its impressive recent hold over a familiar regional rival:
The match was no walk-over, and the goal that decided the game was unusual: 22-year-old Fidel Escobar struck a free kick straight at the wall, and watched as the Honduran players generously parted to let the shot through. A deflection carried the ball past 'keeper Donis Escober.