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2025 Gold Cup: Honduras Advances After Dramatic Shootout, Mexico Ends Goal Drought

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2025 Gold Cup: Honduras Advances After Dramatic Shootout, Mexico Ends Goal Drought

Honduras, with a surprising and dramatic penalty shootout victory over Panama, and Mexico, with a lackluster win against Saudi Arabia, advanced Saturday to the 2025 Gold Cup semifinals after resolving their quarterfinal matches at State Farm Stadium. The quarterfinals kicked off with Honduras defeating Panama 5–4 in a penalty shootout.

Regular time ended 1–1. Ismael Díaz put “La Marea Roja” ahead in first-half stoppage time (45+1) with a penalty shot to the right of goalkeeper Edrick Menjívar, who dove the other way. Honduras equalized in the 81st minute when Anthony Lozano redirected a shot by Carlos Pineda from close range into the net.

In the penalty shootout, Luis Palma, Kervin Arriaga, Joseph Rosales, Denil Maldonado, and Carlos Pineda scored for Honduras; only Anthony Lozano missed. For Panama, Fidel Escobar, Ismael Díaz, Carlos Harvey, and Éric Davis scored; Aníbal Godoy and Eduardo Guerrero missed their shots.

In the main event, Mexico rediscovered its scoring touch and won 2–0 against a Saudi Arabian side that failed to generate a single chance throughout the match. Alexis Vega scored in the 49th minute with a second effort inside the box against goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, giving Mexico the 1–0 lead.

With this goal, “El Tri” ended a 166-minute goal drought—their last goal had come in the 63rd minute against Suriname during the second match of the group stage. Mexico secured the win and a spot in the semifinals in the 81st minute when Abdullah Madu scored an own goal while trying to clear a cross from Mateo Chávez.

This Wednesday, Mexico and Honduras will face off in the semifinals in Santa Clara, California. On Sunday, the remaining two quarterfinal matches will be played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the first match, Canada will face Guatemala, followed by a clash between the United States and Costa Rica.

El Salvador Slams Paris Fashion Show Inspired by Cecot Mega-Prison Inmates

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El Salvador Slams Paris Fashion Show Inspired by Cecot Mega-Prison Inmates

The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, joked on Saturday that he could send inmates from his mega-prison to France, after they were represented in a show at Paris Fashion Week that his government claims “glorifies criminality.” Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría presented a show on Friday in Paris in which he had several tattooed men kneel, wearing white T-shirts and shorts.

The clothing is similar to what is worn by inmates of the Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot), the maximum-security prison built by Bukele to imprison gang members and a symbol of his war against the maras. Cecot also holds 252 Venezuelans deported by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, accused of being members of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang, although no evidence has been presented.

“We are ready to send them to Paris as soon as we get the green light from the French government,” Bukele quipped in response on X to a video of Chavarría’s presentation, showing the models kneeling with their hands behind their backs on a red carpet. El Salvador’s Presidential Press Office, in another message on the same social network, stated that the fashion show “paid tribute to criminals imprisoned in Cecot.”

It added that the Salvadoran leader’s message represents a “firm stance against the attempt to glorify criminality.” Since March 2022, Bukele has maintained an offensive against gangs under a state of emergency that allows arrests without a warrant.

Thanks to his anti-gang crackdown, which has reduced homicides to historic lows, the president enjoys great popularity, though the state of emergency has been criticized by human rights organizations.

Under the state of emergency, about 86,000 people have been detained for being alleged gang members or accomplices, of whom around 8,000 have regained their freedom for being innocent, according to the government, though humanitarian groups say they remain under surveillance or in legal proceedings.

Prisma Dental in Costa Rica Keeps Customers Happy and Smiling

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Prisma Dental in Costa Rica Keeps Customers Happy and Smiling

I am 81 years old and have had teeth removed, bridges, and cavities fixed several times to sustain my ability to eat and function. Finally, major surgery was determined to be required because my bottom teeth were severely ground to 50% of original due to a severe overbite. I did an assessment of recommended procedures that would be required to restore and improve my teeth. Costs estimates were made in both Canada (my home country ) and USA , my winter location. Both estimates varied from 100 to 150 k and estimated to take 2 years to complete.   Friends recommended I explore Costa Rica for dental work.

I issued a request for estimate, to 3 dental companies in Costa Rica (with X-rays). After careful consideration and estimates, I chose Prisma Dental for my work. Why? Prisma has a total in house capability for surgery, design and dental manufacture in house, together with a dental equipment distribution company, a staff of world class surgeons, dental techs, periodontists, all educated and qualified at world recognized Dental Departments at US Universities. What is also important to me is that the work is all done in a Family Small Business family-based organization and facility.  

Outstanding cooperation within this team, resulted in a full upper implant solution and a saving of my lower teeth cost effectively with state-of-the-art crowns, and at the same time, solving my severe overbite situation. My cost savings were 75% over previous estimates within Canada and USA.   I have already made recommendations to my friends, and some have taken advantage of the Prisma Dental Team to address their dental needs.  

And while in Costa Rica, I recommend you explore and enjoy the warm and friendly country, resorts, natural parks, beaches, museums and marketplaces.   I am confident that you will be pleasantly surprised, and be extremely happy with your dental work, and much lower costs than is available in Canada/USA.  

Maurice Clermont January 2025

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Hondurans March to Mark 2009 Coup as Election Battle Heats Up

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Hondurans March to Mark 2009 Coup as Election Battle Heats Up

Thousands of government supporters marched Saturday in the capital of Honduras to commemorate the anniversary of the 2009 coup that ousted then-leftist President Manuel Zelaya, the husband of current President Xiomara Castro. The gathering also served as a political rally for former Defense Minister Rixi Moncada, the presidential candidate for the left-wing Libertad y Refundación (Libre) party in the upcoming November 30 election.

Zelaya, who had taken office in 2006, was ousted by a civic-military alliance that accused him of seeking re-election outside the bounds of the Constitution to implement Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez’s “21st Century Socialism.” Chávez died in 2013. “I came because we’re commemorating the coup that set our country back,” said Juan Carlos Izcoa, a 54-year-old construction worker, during the march to the Presidential Palace.

He added that the march represents “popular resistance to prevent future coups.” In January, three retired generals were arrested for the death of a protester during demonstrations against the interruption of constitutional order. One of the military officers, Romeo Vásquez—who led the 2009 coup—is currently a fugitive after fleeing house arrest.

“A woman will hand over the presidential sash to this woman who is speaking to you today,” Moncada told the crowd of supporters dressed in the ruling party’s red and black colors. President Castro, absent from the rally, stated during an earlier ceremony at the Presidential Palace that the date was being commemorated “so that never again will democracy be threatened in this country.”

In contrast, opposition lawmaker Tomás Zambrano from the right-wing National Party said the upcoming elections are “the last chance to save democracy” in Honduras. “The socialists from Libre know they have no legitimate chance of winning,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Moncada’s main challengers are right-wing candidates Salvador Nasralla and Nasry Asfura.

Costa Rica Green Hotels Lead Global Sustainable Tourism

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Costa Rica Green Hotels Lead Global Sustainable Tourism

Costa Rica’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism grows stronger every year, with our green hotels setting a high bar for eco-conscious hospitality worldwide. With over a quarter of our country protected and alot of our energy coming from renewables, it has woven environmental care into our vitally important tourism industry. With this in mind, hotels across Costa Rica are stepping up, blending luxury with practices that cut carbon footprints, protect ecosystems, and lifting local communities. From rainforest lodges to beachfront retreats, these properties show how tourism can support conservation and social good.

Take Nayara Resorts in Arenal, where sustainability shapes every detail. Jonathan Rojas, the resort’s Client Relations & Marketing Manager, says they’ve planted 3,000 trees, including Guarumo, a favorite of Costa Rica’s iconic sloths. “We’re building a sanctuary for wildlife while supporting local growth,” Rojas said. The resort aids reforestation in Arenal National Park, shelters sloths and howler monkeys, and balances high-end design with environmental and cultural respect.

At Hideaway Rio Celeste, eco-friendly practices are part of daily life. General Manager Gabriela Mora explains they grow chemical-free vegetables in an on-site greenhouse and treat wastewater with a biodigester. The hotel also backs conservation in Tenorio Volcano National Park and follows strict reduce-reuse-recycle policies. “Sustainability isn’t an add-on; it’s how we operate,” Mora said. This hands-on approach resonates with travelers seeking meaningful, low-impact stays.

Hotel Ara Ambigua in Sarapiquí takes a community-focused angle. With 390 meters of solar panels powering clean energy and a recycling program that includes a public collection center, the hotel also partners with local projects to boost development. These efforts show how green hospitality can ripple outward, strengthening nearby communities while cutting environmental harm.

El Silencio Lodge & Spa in Bajos del Toro, a cloud forest gem, has made sustainability its backbone since day one. Sustainability Manager Francisco Hidalgo highlights their meliponarium, which supports pollination, and a Hummingbird Garden filled with native plants. Guests can plant trees, and the hotel’s composting and organic gardens keep operations green.

El Silencio holds the “Elite” rating from Costa Rica’s Sustainable Tourism Certification (CST), a rigorous standard run by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. The CST judges hotels on water and energy use, waste management, community ties, cultural preservation, and guest safety, making it a global model.

Costa Rica’s green hotels are more than just places to stay—they’re part of a movement. Costa Rica pioneered eco-lodges in the 1980s with spots like Rara Avis, and today’s hotels build on that legacy with solar power, reforestation, and wildlife protection. Recent reporting note that hotels like Arenas del Mar and Senda Monteverde integrate conservation with luxury, offering experiences like sea turtle programs and cloud forest hikes. As travelers prioritize eco-friendly destinations, hotels here in our country prove tourism can preserve nature and empower locals, setting an example for the world.

Costa Rica Maintains Economic Stability Amid Global Tensions

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Costa Rica Maintains Economic Stability Amid Global Tensions

Costa Rica is holding steady economically despite global tensions sparked by conflicts involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, according to Federico Quesada Chaves, director of the School of Management Sciences at Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED). Strong international reserves and prudent monetary policies are key to this resilience, keeping exchange rates and inflation in check.

Costa Rica boasts a record-breaking $14.559 billion in international reserves, signaling confidence to markets and stabilizing the Costa Rican colón. Quesada noted that this robust financial position shields the economy from global shocks, even as Middle East conflicts raise concerns about oil prices. While Brent crude dropped 8% to $69 per barrel, moderate price increases in July tied more to global growth expectations than geopolitical strife. The U.S. has ramped up domestic oil production to curb sharp rises, further easing pressure.

On inflation, Costa Rica benefits from the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) maintaining its Monetary Policy Rate at 4%, prioritizing recovery over premature rate hikes. Quesada expects no adjustments unless international risks escalate significantly, reflecting trust in the country’s macroeconomic framework. Recent reports indicate global inflation pressures, with June’s rate at 2.2%, but Costa Rica’s core inflation remains manageable, aligning with central bank targets.

Potential vulnerabilities include crude oil imports, goods with high transport costs, and pharmaceuticals, which could face price hikes if tensions worsen. A sustained rise in global oil prices might weaken the colón, impacting domestic prices and sectors like exports and tourism. However, Quesada sees no immediate threat, citing stable oil markets and the Strait of Hormuz remaining open after a fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire.

There is optimism, with analysts highlighting Costa Rica’s reserves as a buffer against Middle East fallout. Quesada advises against panic, urging the public to avoid rash decisions like hoarding fuel. “There’s no need to stress supply chains,” he said, noting that falling Brent crude prices could lower local fuel costs if the trend holds.

Costa Rica’s preparedness stems from careful monetary policy and a strong financial stance, Quesada emphasized. He encourages staying informed via official sources and maintaining normal consumption and production. With global markets cautiously optimistic after recent de-escalations, our economy appears well-positioned to weather external pressures, provided major disruptions like a Strait of Hormuz closure are avoided.

Guatemala Offers Asylum to Nicaraguan Migrants Deported by U.S.

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Guatemala Offers Asylum to Nicaraguan Migrants Deported by U.S.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo announced on Friday that his country will grant asylum to Nicaraguan migrants deported by the United States who do not wish to return to their country due to the political situation. In an agreement signed with the United States in February during the visit of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Guatemala agreed to receive deportees from other countries, but none have arrived so far.

“We have accepted and made the decision that in the case of Nicaraguans, those who wish to stay in Guatemala because they cannot return to their country of origin due to the current political situation, will be granted asylum,” said Arévalo at a press conference. This is “an expression of solidarity with the Nicaraguan people within the framework of the norms established by the Guatemalan Constitution and mechanisms set forth in international asylum conventions to which we are signatories,” he added.

Hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans are in exile, primarily in Costa Rica, the United States, and Spain, following the 2018 opposition protests that left more than 300 dead, according to the UN. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, are accused of establishing a “family dictatorship” that controls all branches of government.

Arévalo emphasized that Guatemala’s Constitution states Central Americans are considered “Guatemalans by origin,” allowing them to obtain citizenship without renouncing their native nationality. He also noted that Guatemala has historically granted refugee status to people under various circumstances, such as Spanish citizens who fled after the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939).

Last September, Guatemala took in 135 political prisoners released by Nicaragua on humanitarian grounds after U.S. mediation. Of that group, about 40 Nicaraguans rejected the Spanish nationality offered by Madrid and were left in legal limbo. They are now waiting for asylum from the U.S., Canada, or Spain.

Honduras Seizes $2 Million, Gold-Plated Pistols in Drug Raid

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Honduras Seizes $2 Million, Gold-Plated Pistols in Drug Raid

Honduran authorities struck a blow against drug cartels, seizing over $2 million in cash, war rifles, and flashy gold-plated pistols in Copán, a northwest region bordering Guatemala. Security Minister Gustavo Sánchez announced the haul, which came from a joint operation by the Armed Forces, National Police, and prosecutors targeting Mexican and Colombian cartels that use Honduras as a cocaine highway from South America to the U.S.

The operation netted 10 war rifles of various calibers, four pistols—two decked out in gold—two telescopic sights, 19 rifle magazines, four pistol magazines, and heaps of ammunition. Videos shared showed stacks of cash and the glitzy weapons, symbols of cartel wealth. Sánchez said two people were arrested, though he kept their names under wraps. The seizure took place in Copán’s drug trafficking corridor, a hotspot for moving cocaine and, since 2017, growing coca to produce paste locally, cutting cartel costs.

Honduras has long grappled with violence fueled by drug traffickers and gangs like MS-13, contributing to one of the region’s highest homicide rates. Sánchez highlighted progress, noting in June that the 2024 rate dropped to 27 per 100,000 people, down 20 points from recent years. “We’re at our lowest homicide rate in recent history,” he wrote, crediting tougher anti-crime measures. Still, with 75% of murders involving firearms, often smuggled from the U.S., the fight’s far from over.

The Copán seizure echoes past finds, like a 2013 seizure of a $50,000 gold-plated AK-47, hinting at cartel extravagance. InSight Crime reports that 45% of guns seized in Honduras trace back to U.S. manufacturers, with groups like the Gulf Cartel arming operations through black markets and lax controls. The region’s role as a transit hub keeps it in the crosshairs, with local coca cultivation adding a new layer since 2017.

This seizure shows Honduras doubling down on cartels, but challenges remain. Corruption, porous borders, and U.S. gun flows fuel the problem.

A Costa Rica Love Story: From Rustic Cabina to Separate Dreams

Don Mateo
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A Costa Rica Love Story: From Rustic Cabina to Separate Dreams

My Tica wife and I have been together for over a quarter century. When we met, I was living a simple life here. Three days a week I baked breads, cookies and pizza rolls and three days a week I sold them. I was my own boss, and as this was pre-electronic factura, every colón I made was mine. My sales were mostly at the beach and I typically finished my selling around noon on Saturday, which gave me a nice mini-vacation on the beautiful Costa Rican coastline until it was time to return to the oven on Monday. I was never going to get rich but was enjoying my life at my pace in a place that was still a few years away from entering the mass tourism phase.

My wife came from an old Costa Rica background—big family, big farm in a remote area of the Osa Peninsula, kids sleeping three to a bed. The house was uninsulated and very hot during the long, steamy days. Her parents worked the farm and her father was a classic hunter-gatherer, the jungles and rivers his workplace from where he brought home a variety of fish, shrimp and wild game (my wife and her family even ate monkey on occasion). They had little in the way of material wealth but were happy. My first visit to the farm I felt right at home. I slept in a hammock, chopped wood for the leña cooking fires and swung a machete in the banana patch without decapitating anyone.

The creature comforts that I first missed on arrival in Costa Rica—cable TV, comfortable US-style furniture, cheap cars and cheap gas—no longer mattered. For some years, my wife and I were in sync. Our goals were simple and stripped down, and we lived the rustic lifestyle I had envisioned since my first visit to the family farm. Our cement block cabina was basic and sturdy. We bought a large diario at the beginning of the month. Our freezer was full, and we always had a platter of fruits and vegetables and a container of eggs. I got free-range chickens dressed and ready to cook from a neighbor.

Then we went to the States to care for my dying father. I don’t know if it was the time spent there that changed things, but after our return I sensed my wife wanting something more. I did too, so we built a huge house, way bigger than necessary, accumulated debt, then sold the house to escape the interest-heavy mortgage payments common with the banks here.

Since that day, she and I have experienced a sort of role reversal. Some couples resemble each other more with time; others, like my wife and I, go in different directions at some point in the relationship. She has a teaching job and now aspires to have all the things that no longer interest me—the nice car, the vacations outside of Costa Rica, the newest cell phone, the outdoor furniture and the manicured lawn. Whenever she mentions any of these goals, I tell her I would be happy in a yurt—hell, a teepee—as long as it was climate controlled and had no leaks.

The only modern comforts I need are electricity, water and internet. And there we stand to this day. We have a piece of land down on the farm, and are already planning two different homes. I am willing to bet that my yurt/teepee/container house is finished first.

Costa Rica and Panama Seek Gold Cup Glory Against North American Giants

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Costa Rica and Panama Seek Gold Cup Glory Against North American Giants

With no Caribbean teams advancing, a Central American contingent made up of Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala heads into the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup, where North American powerhouses—USA, Mexico, and Canada—are seen as favorites. The quarterfinals begin Saturday with two matches at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, which holds 63,400 spectators.

In the first match, Central America is guaranteed a semifinalist but will lose a team when fierce rivals Honduras and an intimidating Panama face off. Later that night, Mexico defends its title against Saudi Arabia, the tournament’s invited team.

On Sunday in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Bank Stadium, with a capacity of 66,200, will host the other two quarterfinals. In a lopsided matchup, spirited Guatemala will face a formidable Canadian squad. In a power clash, Costa Rica will test its ambition against host nation USA, which faces the pressure of being the home team.

Panama’s Firepower

Saturday in Glendale at 4:15 p.m. local time (11:15 p.m. GMT), Panama aims to unleash its offensive strength against Honduras. Under Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, La Marea Roja had a perfect group stage run with 9 points and the best attack—10 goals, 5 from top scorer Ismael Díaz.

“The level my players have shown is the bare minimum required for the next match,” Christiansen said, while downplaying Panama’s title hopes. “If I had to choose between qualifying for the World Cup or winning the Gold Cup, I’d choose qualifying.”

Honduras bounced back from a 6-0 loss to Canada in their opener with two hard-fought wins, including a dramatic one over Curaçao, to make the quarterfinals. “This will be a big test for us, facing a rival shaped by a five-year process,” said Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda.

Mexico Faces Tournament Guest

At 7:15 p.m. local time (01:15 GMT Sunday), Mexico takes on Saudi Arabia, which enters the quarters with the fewest points—just four—and only two goals scored. “We’re improving, but not as fast as I’d like,” admitted Mexico coach Javier Aguirre. “We’re finding solutions to the problems our opponents present.”

Saudi coach Hervé Renard said their group stage rivals forced them into a physical game that’s not their strength. Regarding Mexico, Renard says he’s ready for the overwhelming crowd support Mexico will enjoy.

Guatemala Plays With Heart

On Sunday in Minneapolis at 3:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. GMT), Canada will show its strength against a passionate Guatemalan side. “In general, our team showed awareness, experience, and discipline,” said U.S.-born Canadian coach Jesse Marsch after his team topped their group with 7 points.

Guatemala reached the quarters with tight wins over Caribbean sides Jamaica and Guadeloupe. “We may play well or poorly, but we always give our all,” said Mexican coach Luis Fernando Tena of the Chapín squad, which “always plays with heart.”

Most Even Matchup: USA vs Costa Rica

At 6:00 p.m. local time (11:00 p.m. GMT), the most balanced quarterfinal kicks off between USA, led by Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, and Costa Rica, coached by Mexico’s Miguel Herrera. Team USA had a flawless group stage with three wins and just one goal conceded.

Pochettino said, “It’s a do-or-die final—we must keep competing well.” Despite facing the host, Herrera said the Sele remains calm. “We’re undefeated and ready for a tougher match than we’ve seen so far.”

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