Honduras’ Rubilio Castillo (celebrates) after scoring against El Salvador in the Copa Centroamericana on January 15, 2017, in Panama City, Panama.
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – After helping Honduras win the Copa Centroamericana in January, forward Rubilio Castillo is looking to have a similar impact in the Catrachos’ quest for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup berth.
The Motagua standout, who scored two goals in Honduras’ run to the Central American title, is happy to be back in the side (2W-3D-3L, 9 points) for Friday’s pivotal CONCACAF final-round qualifier for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at second-place Costa Rica (4-3-1, 15).
“Thank God I have the blessing of being able to wear this wonderful shirt. For one, as a player, it is an honor,” Castillo said Wednesday. “Since I was champion in the Copa Centroamericana, I have not been part of the national team because of the injury I suffered. But this is a new chance to show that we are all pulling toward the same objective.
Currently fifth in the Hexagonal with nine goals scored, Honduras would certainly welcome the goal-scoring prowess that Castillo – who had surgery for a lower-left leg injury in April -- provides.
Prior to being out for nearly four months, the 25-year-old struck for 10 goals in 15 games during the 2017 Honduras Clausura. He has four goals in nine matches during the current Apertura season.
“I’ve been doing well in the league and I hope that if the coach gives me the chance I can show what we are made of in the national team,” finished Castillo. “I think I had showed it in the months when I was here and if it’s not my turn I’ll support my teammates.”
Honduras can climb into third place with a win over Costa Rica and a draw between the U.S. and Panama.
