Honduras' Bryan Rochez (#9) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Uzbekistan in a FIFA U-20 World Cup game on June 1, 2015, in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Honduras scored twice in each half to earn a 4-3 win over Uzbekistan in the FIFA U-20 World Cup opener for both on Monday at AMI Stadium.
In the day’s other Group F match, Germany outdistanced Fiji, 8-1.
Bryan Rochez netted two goals, including one in second-half stoppage time that proved to be the game-winner.
The Catrachos went ahead 1-0 lead in the fourth minute, when Jhow Benavidez’s right-footed free kick -- from 24-yards out on the left -- dipped under the crossbar at the near post.
Honduras doubled the advantage 16 minutes later as Rochez struck for his first goal. Deybi Flores delivered a well-measured through ball up the middle for the Orlando City SC forward, who held off a challenge in the box to slip a shot past advancing goalkeeper Sarvar Karimov
Uzbekistan halved the deficit in the 31st minute as Otabek Shukurov slid a splendid pass into the right side of the penalty area that Dostonbek Khamdamov – without hesitation – slotted home.
Four minutes after the break, Honduras struck again from a dead-ball situation. On this occasion. Kevin Alvarez powered a free kick from the left edge of the box into the right-side of the net to make it 3-1.
Eldor Shomurodo tapped home from five yards in the 79th minute after being set-up beautifully by Zabikhillo Urinboev with a low cross from the right side of the penalty area, bringing Uzbekistan back to within one.
The Central Americans’ two-goal lead was restored in the second minute of stoppage time by Rochez, who outraced and outmuscled Ibrokhim Abdullaev for a ball played over the top. With Karimov rooted to his line, the former Real España striker picked his spot from seven-yards out.
Urinboev added Uzbekistan’s third two minutes later, but the final whistle was sounded shortly afterwards.
Honduras returns to action on Thursday against Fiji.
