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'It's for suffering': US football savaged over shocking scenes

USA star Weston McKennie (pictured right), a frozen beer (pictured left) and a presenter holding a frozen jersey (pictured middle) during the World Cup qualifier in Minnesota.
Honduras has hit out at the USA for playing their World Cup qualifier in Minnesota with temperatures dropping as low as -15C, which caused beer to freeze (pictured left) and even jerseys (pictured middle). (Images: Twitter/Getty Images)

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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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.

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."

Weston McKennie (pictured) celebrates after scoring during a game against Honduras.
Weston McKennie (pictured) of the United States celebrates after scoring during a game against Honduras. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

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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