HOUSTON, Texas – Mexico kicked off with a 4-0 victory against Honduras to begin with the top spot in Group B of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
From the first minute, Mexico took the lead thanks to Luis Romo and extended the lead thanks to the player’s brace. Orbelin Pineda and Luis Chavez sealed the win with goals of their own in the second half.
Edson Alvarez was influential in helping see out the clean sheet. The 25-year-old’s flexibility to play as a defensive midfielder and center back made it easy for head coach Jaime Lozano when deciding his defensive line against the menacing Honduran attack of Alberth Elis and Jorge Benguche.
Speaking with Concacaf.com, Álvarez shared his thoughts on the importance of the victory.
“It is a very good start. We know that starting with a win always gives us a lot of confidence in the group, especially because of the way the national team was coming. And, well, we are very happy, grateful and we are going step by step. This is just the beginning,” he said.
It is literally the beginning for the team with Lozano at the helm. The former Mexican national team midfielder, and member of Mexico’s 2007 Gold Cup squad, was announced as the coach of the senior national team last Wednesday, in part for his work at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where he guided the Mexican contingent to a bronze medal.
“From the first moment, we felt very identified with him,” said Álvarez. “We're going step by step. He also does not have to feel the pressure all of a sudden. We are going to take it little by little,” said Alvarez.
Entering the cusp of his career, Alvarez has reached great heights with the national team in the form of two FIFA World Cup appearances, and the 2019 Gold Cup title. In the 2021 edition, Alvarez was Mexico’s leader in passes (401), had the most successful passes (380), and was a Best XI selection.
“As a lesson,” Alvarez described the current stage of his career. “I believe that everything is learning. In my career I have had many moments of learning. That is why I believe I have had the opportunity to play in Europe, because of all that, because of all those experiences, good, bad, whatever they are, I know that they are good things for me.”
In his 17th Gold Cup encounter, he boasted a 91% passing accuracy to help Mexico control possession and manage the lead. He also picked up a third successful result in Houston to deliver joy to the Mexican supporters in attendance.
“As always, we are very grateful to them, very happy because they are always with us. I know that there have been very difficult moments, but wherever we are, they have always supported us, they have helped us and I believe that today we were able to give them a beautiful exhibition,” said Álvarez.
With most of the players that were part of the third-place finish in the Concacaf Nations League Finals, and a group stage elimination at Qatar 2022, this Mexico squad is looking for redemption. The opportunity to conquer a ninth Gold Cup title is now the focus and the team is three points closer to its ultimate goal.
“The illusion is, clearly, the championship. There are five games, God first, and I believe we are on the right track,” Álvarez concluded.
