'It's for suffering': US football savaged over shocking scenes
Honduras' coach is seething at the USA following their World Cup Qualifier, after the game was played during Minnesota's winter with players reportedly suffering hypothermia as temperatures dropped to -15C.
The USA are trying to qualify for the World Cup after the disaster of missing out on Russia in 2018 and they moved one step closer after defeating rivals Honduras 3-0.
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'WHAT ON EARTH': Football world rages over 'bizarre' scenes
However, much of the attention was on the conditions during the match with temperatures plummeting to -15C with a 'feels like' temperature of -25C.
The tactic to hold the match in freezing conditions against their Central American rivals, who enjoy a warmer climate, paid dividends for the USA.
And players were allowed to wear thermal clothing during the encounter, which presented a rare sight for football fans.
Fans took to social media during the match to express just how cold it was in Minnesota.
Photos of beers freezing and cameras frosting lit up social media.
In a pre-match broadcast, two presenters showed a jersey that had been frozen solid in the conditions.
One of the presenters even whacked the jersey to show how tough it was.
This is just an unusual situation.
USA took on Honduras at home in Minnesota when the weather was freezing at -16°.
Even the jersey took out by two sideline pundits was hard as ice. https://t.co/Tm05tdznuF— Sivan John (@SivanJohn_) February 3, 2022
It was that cold at the USA v Honduras game yesterday everyones beer’s started to freeze over.
Solution: Drink it quicker 😂 pic.twitter.com/eEUzzVNcne— Footy Bevs (@FootyBevs) February 3, 2022
“How cold was it last night?”
My camera literally froze. #USAvHON pic.twitter.com/rmvxH4suFu— Ashley Orellana (@AshleyMOrellana) February 3, 2022
Honduras fume over freezing USA conditions
At half-time in the clash, two Honduras players were substituted after suffering from hypothermia.
"Two players of the national team did not return for the second half of the qualifying game against USA due to the extreme weather conditions prevailing in the stadium," a post read from Honduras' Twitter account.
Before the match, Honduras' coach Hernan Gomez hit out at the USA.
"It's not normal, it's inconceivable that a power in every sense would bring you here to play a game and get a result," he said.
"The game hasn't started, but I can't wait for it to end. Because it's not for enjoying, it's for suffering."
After the match, he was even more scathing.
“It is difficult, very complicated. Soccer is not for suffering like that. I cannot analyse the boys in this type of environment and match climate," he added.
“In this qualifier, the United States does have an important difference, but playing like that doesn't work. It is not a football spectacle, it is not normal. In this situation, I am not able to do an analysis of the players. I'm not able to do it.”
Many fans did side with Honduras and claimed the conditions were not acceptable for a football match.
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