The play of forward Antony Lozano (left) could be key to Honduras' World Cup Qualifying hopes. ( Photo: FIFA via Getty Images )
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – After enjoying a successful campaign with Honduras at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament earlier in the month, forward Antony Lozano will be looking to make a similar impact in a pair of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The 23-year-old scored two goals in six games as he helped the Catrachos reach the Rio 2016 semifinals, ultimately falling 3-2 to Nigeria in the bronze medal match.
“We come in with the motivation that has to be brought,” said Lozano. “We know that they are life and death matches, and we come in with all of the hope and eagerness to contribute.”
In the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Honduras (1W-1D-2L, 4 points) currently sits second in Group A on goal difference ahead of Canada (-1 to -4). It hosts the Canadians on Friday in San Pedro Sula knowing that a win will go a long way towards a berth in the Hexagonal. Anything less and the Hondurans will face a tricky trip to the Estadio Azteca for the last group match against table-topping
“We are playing for passage to the next phase,” Lozano remarked. “We hope the people support us and we win the match. It is always special to play these matches, whether it is Canada or whomever. It is important to get minutes with the national team and if we are here it is for something. The national team is going to give everything possible to be in the next phase.”
Lozano has remained in excellent form since the Olympics, netting Tenerife’s only goal in a 1-1 Spanish second-division draw with Sevilla II on August 26.
“One as a forward lives to score goals and thank God I am in a good moment,” he finished. “I hope to keep on like that and score with the national team.”
Doing so would position Honduras for a possible third straight trip to the World Cup.
