When the U.S. takes the Home Depot Center pitch this Saturday against Honduras, the most popular player on the field will be…Jonathan Bornstein?

It was Bornstein’s injury time equaliser against Costa Rica in the final qualifying match that sent Honduras into the World Cup for the first time since 1982 and propelled him to Hero status in the Central American country.

This, just four days after the U.S. team played the role of villain with an improbable 3-2 win over Honduras at San Pedro Sula to cement their own World Cup credentials.

All was forgiven, however, after Bornstein headed his last-gasp goal. According to Soccer By Ives, Bornstein has been invited by Honduran President Roberto Michelleti to vacation in the country, should he need some R&R after the World Cup.

I love this video featuring Honduran announcers. Have you ever been this happy about anything in your life?

Bonus points for the Costa Rica assistant coach being the spittin’ image of John C. Reilly.

Bornstein is assured of starting at left back and seems to have a stranglehold on the spot for South Africa. Saturday’s game is at 6 p.m. PST and will be broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel.

Tags: Jonathan Borrnstein