Midfielder Bryan Acosta (pictured #6) was called up to Honduras for the 2018 World Cup Qualifying playoff against Australia. (Photo: Mexsport)
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Midfielder Bryan Acosta is fully cognizant of what’s at stake for Honduras as the first leg of its 2018 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff against visiting Australia on November 10 approaches.
“[We] always have the desire, coming to give the best of ourselves,” the 23-year-old told reporters Sunday, after flying into the San Pedro Sula International Airport from Spain, where he plays for Tenerife. “This match means a lot for us. We are playing for the World Cup and we hope to get a good advantage and later go play a good game in Australia.”
The 30-time capped Acosta appeared in five matches for the Catrachos during CONCACAF qualifying for Russia 2018 and has played in eight Spanish second division matches since joining Tenerife from Real España in July.
On the evidence of host Mexico’s 5-1 win over New Zealand in the intercontinental playoff, first leg four years ago leading to a berth at Brazil 2014, Acosta is looking for the current Central American champion to achieve something similar at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano.
“We hope to get a good advantage at home,” he finished. “I would not say how many goals, but to be able to play a significant game there [in Australia].”
Honduras has qualified for the World Cup three times, including the last two editions.
