HOUSTON, Texas — Already booked for an appearance in the Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals, Honduras is aiming for a perfect group stage finish as they face off against AFC Asian Cup Champions Qatar on Tuesday at BBVA Stadium in Houston.
Part of the good moment that the Central American nation is living is due to its mix of leadership and youth. There’s plenty of veterans on the team with the likes of Maynor Figueroa, Boniek Garcia and Jerry Bengtson; guys that are molding the next generation, like defender Kevin Alvarez.
“Very well,” Alvarez told Concacaf.com about his current form with the national team. “I think there are several journalists who tell me that if I’m not the youngest in the tournament, [I’m] one of the youngest. Well, blessings that God brings. I believe that I am learning from my colleagues, who have more experience.”
Alvarez was key in Honduras’ 3-2 win over Panama. Besides his duties on defense, the San Pedro Sula native provided the game-winning assist from the back line.
At 24-years-old, Alvarez lines up alongside team captain and Honduras’ leader in national team appearances Figueroa. More than taking his advice, Alvarez shares that it’s shadowing the Honduran legend of which he is taking the most advantage.
“I see how he acts, how he lives day-to-day,” Alvarez said. “He is a great example to many. This is a great leader, a great captain. When I have any questions or any doubt, his journey is unmatched. I think he is one of the players with the most matches at the national team level in the world, not just in Concacaf, so that speaks to his great capacity.”
The top spot in Group D is up for grabs against Qatar and Honduras can finish top of their group, with at least a draw, for the first time since the 2013 edition. Los Catrachos have finished first in their group on five previous occasions.
“It's going to be very important for both. We both want to win it and we are both going to fight,” Alvarez concluded.
