DENVER, Colorado– Honduras’ triumphant return to the FIFA World Cup for South Africa 2010 would not have been possible without their decisive 4-0 Concacaf World Cup Qualifying win over Costa Rica on August 12, 2009.
It also just so happens to be a cherished childhood memory of current Honduras FW Alberth Elis, who as a boy watched on as one of his idols, Carlos Pavon, scored a goal to lead the Catrachos over the Ticos in the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano of San Pedro Sula.
Now Elis will have an opportunity to make some memories for younger Hondurans when his side takes the field against the Ticos on Sunday in the Third-Place match of the 2021 Concacaf Nations League Finals.
“It’s a clasico. It’s the Central American clasico and so we know what’s at stake in these types of matches,” said Elis in an exclusive interview with Concacaf.com.
“From when I was young, I can remember several of these clasicos, like when Carlos Pavon scored in the Olimpico and Honduras won 4-0. It was a wonderful match and I remember watching it and celebrating that match.”
On a personal level, it means the world to Elis to be involved in a such a special rivalry and he hopes to deliver Honduras’ 19th win in the 62nd game between the two nations.
“It’s a wonderful motivation, I’m very happy to be able to be here representing our beautiful country, so it’s a great challenge for me and for the whole team. We are prepared and we are very eager to play tomorrow and we hope to get the victory tomorrow,” concluded Elis.
