honduras

 Manager: Reinaldo Rueda
Captain: Amado  Guevara
FIFA Ranking: 40
World Cup Appearances: 1
Best World Cup: Round 1 – 1982

Honduras Team Profile

The Hondurans, in just their second ever World Cup, will have been pleased with their group in that it’s competitive enough that they could maybe spring a surprise with progression, while the dream fixture will be the one with the 2008 European Champions Spain.

As we’ve already mentioned, this will be just the second time Honduras will play in a World Cup after a 28 year drought without one. They are a surprise inclusion as very few fancied their chances in the North American qualifying sector, while Los Catrachos needed a huge slice of luck elsewhere to seal their progression, as a late USA goal against Costa Rica sparked frantic celebration over in Honduras. They’ll feel the Gods were looking down on them that day, and with the footballing Gods apparently on their side, they’ll head to South Africa with plenty of optimism aiming to bypass a fairly average Group H. Of course, Spain will be a tough assignment and one they look destined to fail in, but Chile and Switzerland aren’t the strongest of nation and so rightly so Honduras will fancy their chances of springing a genuine surprise in South Africa.

Nickname: Los Catrachos

Honduras Key Players

The majority of the Honduras team aren’t household names, while those of you who follow the main band of European league might recognise a few. The stand outs, though, are Amado Guevara (Captain), Wilson Palacios, David Suazo and their all-time leading scorer Carlos Pavon. The latter is 36 years of age but still manage to accumulate seven goals in nine qualifiers for his country, and while he may not have the freshest pair of legs, his experience and wisdom will be influential for the rest of the team.

Everyone should know what Wilson Palacios is all about. He’s one of the more professional players in the Premier League at his club Tottenham Hotspur. He simply sits in the centre of the field, calmly collecting the ball and distributing it all around the pitch. Palacios goes about his business in quite manner, but he’s effective at what he does and without him in the side Honduras would struggle to retain possession.

Carlos Pavon took most of the limelight with his 7 goals in 9 qualifiers, but he was amply assisted by Genoa’s David Suazo, who has been around the block with some big clubs in Europe, and he too has valuable experience and know-how which will aid Honduras well in South Africa in front of goal.

Justin Leon is another player to keep an eye out for, as his pace down the left flank will enable Honduras to puss forward more and exploit the full-back areas. He will look to bomb forward, hit the byline and deliver a telling cross in an area where either Pavon or Suazo can pounce.

Strengths

I would say undoubtedly their experienced forward duo of Carlos Pavon and David Suazo. They’ve experienced the big time at club level, while they’ve been in the Honduras team long enough to know where the through balls will go and where the crosses will land. Honduras have two smart and intelligent forwards at the forefront of their attack, two players which know how to sniff out a chance. The pair are proper goal-getters and will be valuable to Honduras over the course of the summer.

Weaknesses

Seeing as we haven’t seen too much of them, the lack of strength within the deeper reaches of the squad would be a concern, while the unfamiliarity of their defence will also spring a few doubts. Moreover, the fact they’ve scraped through qualification by the skin of teeth means they are the worst of the three North American teams in South Africa, which considering North American football isn’t the strongest, doesn’t bode at all well.

World Cup Potential: 1/5

We’re certain the Hondurans (Not an official nickname, but we’re sure it will catch on soon enough) will be a spirited bunch, and their travelling support of Honduras followers will make for a party atmosphere on the sidelines. Their two experienced forwards give them half-a-chance of perhaps nicking a few points off either Chile and Switzerland, but progression from the group would be a real surprise and an unlikely scenario. Even so, they’ll give their all and could well be a nation the neutrals pledge their vow of support to. After all, everyone loves an underdog.

Honduras World Cup Betting Odds

Honduras to win the World Cup: 1500  Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on Honduras were 1000/1 

Official Honduras World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Noel Valladares (Olimpia)

Donis Escober (Olimpia)

Ricardo Canales (Motagua)

Defenders

Sergio Mendoza (Motagua)

Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua)

Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Greentown/China)

Osman Chavez (Platense)

Johnny Palacios (Olimpia)

Maynor Figueroa (Wigan Athletic)

Victor Bernardez (RSC Anderlecht)

Midfielders

Danilo Turcios (Olimpia)

Hendry Thomas (Wigan Athletic)

Edgard Alvarez (AS Bari)

Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards)

Amado Guevara (Motagua)

Wilson Palacios (Tottenham Hotspur)

Julia Cesar de Leon (Torino)

Oscar Boniek Garcia (Olimpia)

Strikers

Walter Martinez (Marathon)

Georgie Welcom (Motagua)

Ramon Nunez (Olimpia)

Carlos Pavon (Real Espana)

David Suazo (FC Genoa)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Honduras Fixtures – Group H

World Cup 2010 Group H - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

Honduras V Chile

Kick-off: Wednesday, 16th June – 12:30 GMT
Stadium: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Referee: Eddy Maillet (Seychelles)
Group H

Honduras

Honduras have only ever participated in one World Cup previously, registering two draws and a defeat as they exited the Spanish finals back in 1982 at the group stage. Back then, only a point was the difference between Honduras making the knock-outs and packing their suitcases, and it’s those fine margins which ultimately decide a players/teams fate. Can the Hondurans make amends for their near miss by claiming one of the two available qualifying positions in Group H?

Passionate Honduras supporters will be in the mindset that the Gods are watching over their players, after a late United States goal in Costa Rica sent Honduras to the finals, ending a 28 year wait for World Cup prestige. Whether or not they can make the most of their good fortune remains to be seen, although, from what we’ve seen of them, they aren’t necessarily our first pick to make it through the group above Switzerland and Chile, while it’s somewhat a given that Spain will finish top of Group H. Before the finals, Honduras partook in five warm up internationals which seen them finish with a record of 0 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats, all against sides of little standing.

We feel it’s safe to stick Honduras in that category of teams that definitely won’t win the competition, as with supremely talented individuals at a premium the North American side will find life tough going despite the relative ease at which their group would be for a high quality team, such as Spain. They do, however, have two players with a keen eye for goal in Carlos Pavon and David Suazo, who between them have scored 73 international goals, as well as rack up 152 caps. However, the most notable Honduran is Tottenham Hotspur’s Wilson Palacios, who will look to break up opposing attacks as well as form some of his own for Honduras. There is enough experience and know-how in defence while the same can be said for their 33 year-old keeper Noel Valladares.

If Honduras are harbouring any realistic hopes or targets of making the knock-outs than this is a fixture they simply have to win. With Spain next up, defeat to Chile would all but end their hopes of being a part of the last-sixteen. They have two wise goal-getters up front and they need to use them if they wish to stand any chance of ousting the South Americans.

Chile

Chile pack more of a punch with their previous World Cup experience, having played in seven finals previously – six more than Honduras – and can even brag about a third-place finish back in 1962, although those finals were held on Chilean soil. However, their most recent appearance was back in 1998 and that remains their only World Cup entry in an otherwise baron 24 year spell. It’s a lot more than their match day rivals though, so can Chile make their World Cup wisdom count when the two meet on Wednesday?

When seeing the draw for South Africa 2010, Chile will have been delighted, and probably jumping for joy, at the prospect of facing the 2008 European champions and making the Round of 16. Like Honduras, Chile will be well aware that Spain are the favourites to progress, the likely group winners, but the second knock-out berth is well and truly up for grabs and Chile, after impressing during qualifying when finishing second only to Brazil, will begin their World Cup adventure with plenty of optimism.

The last World Cup Chile played in they did make the knock-outs, although that was only the second occasion in seven attempts they had achieved such a feat and that has to be a huge put-off factor for any potential Chile backer, their knack of faltering in the group stage. They arrive, though, in good knick, as we said earlier, finishing second in South America qualifying, a point behind the classy Brazilians, and will be supremely confident that with the squad they have they better their abysmal record at the group stage of the finals.

It was pretty evident that Chile’s defence wasn’t their strongest asset when conceding 22 goals in 18 qualifiers, although still not bad considering the attack bias South American teams usually play with, but more instead in the ferocious forward power which seen them rack up 32 goals in the same amount of games, once again finishing 1 shy of the mighty Brazil. If their superb all round record in qualifying is anything to go by, which it should to some degree, Chile are only slightly worse off than Brazil but a distance better than Argentina, who are prominent in the betting market to win the World Cup. There is, of course, the small matter of their star forward missing this game through injury, as Humberto Suazo, who scored 10 goals in qualifying, is set to miss the games with Honduras and Switzerland. With the exception of that piece of bad news, and that is significant information, Chile are more than just a decent outfit, and should they replicate the form shown in qualifying will wipe the floor with Honduras.

Match Odds:

Honduras – 6.50 Bet365
Draw – 4.00 bWin
Chile – 1.67 WilliamHill

Our Prediction: Chile to WIN – 1.67 WilliamHill

The only niggle with a back of Chile is how they replace and cope without Humberto Suazo, as against a Honduras side which conceded goals against Turkey, Belarus, Venezuela and Romania, Chile will find goalscoring opportunities easy to come by, it’s just about putting them away. In Fernandez and Sanchez, Chile have two deadly wingers, two skilful and pacey wingers who will continue to swing in delightful crosses for the central figure in front of goal, which could be absolutely anyone as Bielsa doesn’t really have another out-an-out striker in his squad. Either way, considering Honduras don’t exactly pack much of a punch in the final third themselves, so long as Suazo’s replacements puts away one of the chances he gets, Chile should make the best possible start in Group H.

Our Recommended Bet: Chile to Score 2 or More Goals – 1.80 PaddyPower

England

Pre-World Friendly Form: WW

England 3-1 Mexico
England 2-1 Japan

It’s been unconvincing from Fabio Capello’s England up till this point, although the fact they’ve nothced up back-to-back wins before the start of the finals without playing to their full potential has to be a big plus. England found themselves outplayed for the most part against Mexico at Wembley, but the Three Lions took their chances when they came in a clinical manner, whilst relying on some keeping heroics from Robert Green. Many were expecting England to push on from their reasonable opening victory by beating Japan comfortable in Austria. With Japan taking the lead after just six minute, it was patently obvious that another shaky England performance was on the cards, and so it prove to be the case. However, if their fortunate win over a competent Mexico was an indication that the footballing Gods were looking over Capello’s men, their fortuitous turnaround against the Japanese was, with two second half own goals enough to seal a second quick-fire international win.

Without watching either game, you could be forgiven for thinking England head into South Africa with form. Their performances, though, have ranged from lacklustre and lethargic to adequate, with England never getting past 3rd gear in either. One way you could look at it, surely their display can only get better. But there were plenty of mistakes and flaws that their World Cup opponents will look to capitalize on.

The big news, however, was that defensive rock and captain Rio Ferdinand would miss the finals after suffering ligament damage in his knee during training.  As a result, Michael Dawson was recalled and it now leaves Fabio Capello pondering over whether to start with Jamie Carragher or Ledley King in Ferdinand centre-half void. It would appear some of the momentum and confidence gained from two successive friendly wins has now been lost, at such a crucial time as well.

France

Pre-World Friendly Form: LDW

France 2-1 Costa Rica
Tunisia 1-1 France
China 1-0 France

As per usual, France will arrive in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with little in terms of positive aurora and some winning momentum. Their early victory over Costa Rica, one which was largely undeserved, came when Valbuena scored late on to seal an almost trademark style France win. It was a shaky display all-round from Domenech’s men, with their persistence eventually seeing them run through the finish line first. However, instead of building upon their jammy win, France went in the other direction when drawing 1-1 in Tunisia. It was yet another worrying display from the French team, conceding another early goal before the predictable comeback. This time however, there wasn’t to be a winning finale.

Last and certainly not least, France completed and unwanted set of results, tasting every after-match feeling when losing to China, a team ranked 84 in the FIFA Rankings, thus ensuring the France squad tasted one of each during their World Cup preparations: 1 win, 1 draw and 1 defeat. It was a match France were very much in control in, but a distinct lack of cutting edge aided by some bad luck meant France would arrive in South Africa with an embarrassing loss hanging over them.

Germany

Pre-World Friendly Form: WW

Hungary 0-3 Germany
Germany 3-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina

News that Germany’s influential captain, Michael Ballack, would miss the finals through an ankle injury really did rock the camp and seen the country’s chances of lifting the FIFA World Cup aloft in South Africa decrease significantly as a direct result. If the German squad was reeling over the loss of their captain they weren’t showing it, as in their first warm up game they thrashed an ever-improving Hungary 3-0. The win came in impressive fashion, both in regards to the scoreline and their performance, and it may well have punters re-evaluating Germany’s chances.

Despite a shaky start to their final warm up game against a tricky Bosnia & Herzegovina, Germany ran out comfortable winners and finished the game with style and in an impressive fashion when winning 3-1 thanks to second half strikes from captain Phillip Lahm and Bastien Schweinstieger. The latter’s brace came via the penalty spot although both were put away with aplomb in the absence of Michael Ballack. It was a case of two halfs, with Germany a tad one-paced in the opening 45 minutes but completely dominant in the second, pinning Bosnia back for the entire length of the second period, with two second-half substitutes in particular impressive for Germany in Marko Marin and Cacua.

Ghana

Pre-World Friendly Form: WL

Holland 4-1 Ghana
Ghana 1-0 Latvia

‘The Black Stars’ were given a Dutch spanking in their opening warm up encounter ahead of the finals in Rotterdam, Gyan grabbed Ghana’s one and only goal of the game in a heavy 4-1 defeat. Coach Milovan Rajevac received crushing news when combative midfielder Michael Essien was ruled out of the finals, and Essien’s absence against Holland, a team with real quality, was evident. There were gaping gaps in the centre of the park, they struggled to retain possession and there was a distinct lack of presence and leadership. It was certainly a worrying display from Ghana, and from an African nation where some were touting as serious players this summer, one of the better African nations to challenge for the title itself. Perhaps that is no longer the case without their talisman.

Ghana left it late in their final international before the World Cup, narrowly recording a win over European’s Latvia via a strike from Quincey Owusu-Abeyie in the 88th minute. While not entirely convincing, the win did at least restore some confidence and self-belief that might have been lost following their Holland drubbing days earlier.

Greece

Pre-World Friendly Form:

Greece 2-2 North Korea
Greece 0-2 Paraguay

Led by one of the most respected managers on the international scene, Otto Rehhagel, Greece will have it all to do in South Africa if their display against Korea DPR and Paraguay are anything to go on. Greece were strong favourites to win their opening friendly, a game against the largely unknown North Koreans. When Greece scored just minutes into the game everyone assumed a rout was on the cards, but stunning equaliser sparked the Asian’s into life and thereafter Greece struggled to keep up with their energetic opponents. Rehhagel’s men were actually losing at one stage and had to dig deep just to pick up a draw and save face. The weren’t so lucky against Paraguay though, with another lacklustre performance by the Greek’s enabling the South American’s to stroll towards victory. Sloppy at the back, a severe lack of creativity and guile in the midfield and a couple of forlorn strikers are what Greece have shown us all so far.

Honduras

Pre-World Friendly Form: LDD

Belarus 2-2 Honduras
Azerbaijan 0-0 Honduras
Romania 3-0 Honduras

The Hondurans were a surprise inclusion into this years event and needed a big helping hand from the United States in order to qualify. After that slice of good fortune, Honduras will feel the God’s have blessed them with this golden opportunity and that they must now seize their opportunity. Two draws against less than average opponents haven’t helped their cause nor has it boosted the confidence of the players. Their first came against Belarus, who in fairness do play some decent football. The second stalemate came against Azerbaijan in what can only be described as a shocker of a result as far as Honduras are concerned. Reinauldo Reuda’s men face the likes of Spain and Chile in Group H at South Africa, and if they can’t put Azerbaijan to bed then what chance do they have against nations with genuine quality.

As if a run of two consecutive draws against teams deemed as minnows within their respective zones, Honduras succumbed to defeat in their final game before facing Chile on June 16th by a Romanian side which failed to perform throughout qualifying for South Africa. To make matters worse, combative midfielder Wilson Palacios was stretched off and remains a doubt for South Africa.

Italy

Pre-World Friendly Form: DL

Mexico 2-1 Italy
Switzerland 1-1 Italy

The defending champions have been hugely disappointing during their preparations for South Africa, with a defeat to Mexico followed by an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Switzerland lamenting the concerns of a country eager to defend their title. In both encounters, Marcello Lippi fielded a strong team and the fact that one of the favourites to win this years edition can’t beat two of the outsiders, with Switzerland in particular almost completely ruled out of the outright equation, it does make you think that Italy might not even put up a fight for their crown in South Africa. The Italians are obviously frustrated with their preparations as in both encounters they received several yellow cards. Concerning to say the least for the usual consistent Italians.

Japan

Pre-World Friendly Form: LLL

Japan 0-2 South Korea
England 2-1 Japan
Japan 0- Ivory Coast

Japan’s World Cup preparations have been tortuous to say the least, with Takeshi Okada, the Japan coach which targeted a semi-final appearance in South Africa, having to watch on as Japan record two quick defeats. The first loss was the more damaging as it came against one of their fiercest Asian rivals in a 2-0 defeat by South Korea. To add insult to injury, and to increase the tension and pressure already rapidly building on the Japan camp, the defeat came on home soil in front of their hostile fans.

Their second came in Austria when they took on one of the competition favourites, England. Japan were big odds to spring an upset before kick-off, and with 6 minutes gone and Japan 1-0 up through defender Tulio, a huge turn up for the books was well and truly on. However, while their English opponents at the time were enjoying some good fortune of late, Japan weren’t and their bad luck was compounded with two second half own goals, resulting in a 2-1 defeat for Japan. The positive, however, was firstly Japan taking the lead and maintaining their advantage for over an hour of play, while the second being the fact they more than held their own in the first hour or so, thus proving in a way that Okada’s bold South Africa objective is at least achievable even if it’s extremely unlikely.

In Japan’s third and final international before the do battle in Group E, the Japanese, after previously putting in a valiant display against England, somewhat rolled over against the Ivory Coast. A 2-0 loss to one of the more fancied African nations competing in this month’s finals left Japan with a hat-trick of defeats ahead of a tournament the coach expects to reach the semi-finals. At this rate they’ll be lucky to avoid the wooden spoon in their group.

Zimbabwe 0-3 Brazil

Goals: M. Bastos, Robinho, Elano

Greece 0-2 Paraguay

Goals: E. Vera, L. Barrios

Azerbaijan 0-0 Honduras

Serbia 0–0 Poland

Wednesday wasn’t the best of days for World Cup sides, with Greece, Honduras and Serbia all failing to picking up some valuable winning momentum.

Brazil were the first to kick off Wednesday’s proceedings with a 3-0 win over in Zimbabwe. The scoreline will have armchair punters assuming it was a cruise for Dunga’s men. That wasn’t the case however, as Zimbabwe were sprite and lively in attack and caused Brazil’s defence plenty of problems. Goals from Bastos, Robinho and Elano were enough for the five-time champions to record their first international win ahead of the finals.

The Greeks were beaten 2-0 by South Americans Paraguay – Lucas Barrios scoring his third goal in as many internationals – While Manchester City’s Roque Santa Cruz also picking up some valuable pitch minutes. Greece have now gone two friendlies without a win after drawing with North Korea in their last outing, while Paraguay pushed on from their Ivory Coast comeback, clawing back a two goal deficit against Les Elephants to earn a 2-2 draw, to register a win which should boost the confidence levels of the players.

Honduras were held to a 0-0 draw by Azerbaijan despite the Europeans being reduced to 10 men in the latter stages. That’s now the second pre-World Cup friendly draw in a row for the North Americans following their 2-2 draw with Belarus last week. Rueda’s men have yet to face a team of real international quality and the concerns over their chances in South Africa next week are mounting after two hugely disappointing results.

Serbia continued where they left off against New Zealand, frustrating their hostile followers with another poor result. The Serbians were beaten 1-0 by the Kiwi’s last week, one of the biggest turn ups thus far during this friendly warm up period, resulting in Serbia supporters throwing missiles onto the pitch in an act of disgust. This recent setback, a 0-0 draw with Poland, won’t have gone down at all well with the supporters either, and whereas Serbia were shaping up as one of the possible ‘Dark Horses’ for the summer’s showcase event, they are instead looking like a fish out of water.

Belarus V Honduras

Thursday 27th May, 17:30 GMT
International Friendly
Live coverage can be found by logging into your Bet365 account.

As that old adage goes ‘When it rains, it pours’ and that was certainly the case for Honduras as after a long trip from North America to Europe, what awaited them in Bad Bleiberg, Austria, was countless amounts of rain and an unusable training pitch – far from ideal. So plans were then revised and Honduras were moved to Troepolach, still in Austria, where they will remain until they leave for the finals on 8th June. In the meantime, the 30 strong Honduras squad will participate in three friendlies; on Thursday they take on a dangerous Belarus, on June 2nd they clash with Azerbaijan and finally on the 5th June the Romanian‘s await them, all of which will be played in Austria.

It’s going to be a gruelling few weeks for some, with a handful (seven) soon to be let loose from the Honduras camp altogether, with coach Reinaldo Rueda set to reduce the size of his provisional squad sometime this week. Before then, however, at least 11 players will have one final chance to shine before Rueda picks his final 23 for the finals next month in their game with Belarus on Thursday afternoon. A maximum of six subs can be used and with Rueda himself unsure as to who he will pick for his final 23-man World Cup squad, this friendly encounter will give him a good insight into who he deems worthy of a spot in his official World Cup squad.

This first of three friendlies is arguably the most significant because it’s when Rueda will properly assess some of those currently on the fringe of the 23, and those he’s still unsure of. What it does mean is those 17 players given one final chance on Thursday will be eager to impress, desperate to show their value to their country. Sure, Rueda will have more than a dozen names in mind for his final 23, the likes of Wilson Palacios, Carlos Pavon and Justin Leon all certainties to make the cut, but there are more than enough spots up for grabs to keep the rest of the squad on their toes ahead of judgement day.

We’re in the dark as to how Rueda will approach this first friendly, whether he will put out a strong side in a bid to build some chemistry and momentum ahead of the finals in a fortnights time, or whether he will use Thursday’s game as his courtyard, axing those surplus to requirements should they fail to impress when presented with one final but golden opportunity. Considering he has two friendlies pencilled in in June before the finals commence, we would hazard a guess that Thursday’s team sheet will consist mainly of player Rueda wants one final look at, with the big names perhaps watching on from the sidelines. If the high-profile players do start, we should be in for a good game and we hope they do as we want to have our own views on how Honduras’ preparations are getting on.

Belarus will give Honduras a good run for their money though. England fans may remember the country as they were in their Group during qualifying, finishing fourth in a difficult group consisting of winners England, Ukraine and Croatia. Belarus were far from disgraced though, accumulating 13 points after 10 qualifiers, brushing aside the smaller nations in the group but putting up some stern resistance against the more equipped teams. The former Arsenal and Barcelona winger Alexander Hleb can be a tricky customer down the flanks and his persistence to hit the byline and unleash some wicked crosses, as well as sparkling the spectators with some neat tricks, will keep the Honduras full-backs on their toes throughout, and the same can be said about their other skilful winger Tsimafey Kalachow. Up front, Bari forward Vitali Kutuzov, despite not boasting the most prolific scoring record at international level, is a dangerous forward and one which will sniff out a chance or two in the box.

The European’s won’t travel to Austria to merely provide Honduras with a casual warm up encounter. Once the finals draw to a close on July 11th, international coaches, especially in Europe, will turn their attention to the continental competitions and Belarus are getting in some vital pitch time ahead of 2012 UEFA European Championship qualifying. The Belarus players will be just as eager to impress as Honduras.

Match Odds:

Belarus – 3.50 StanJames
Draw – 3.30 WilliamHill
Honduras – 2.20 Ladbrokes

Our Prediction: Belarus to WIN – 3.50 StanJames

Neutral venue so neither side will benefit from a large influx of support, but in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa we were impressed with how Belarus approach their games regardless of who they were up against. There is no middle ground with them, which does have it’s good and bad points. The plus point is they do like to attack, with genuine intent and purpose whilst committing numbers forward. The negative for us was that time and time again Belarus were exposed in defence by their forward commitments, while their organisational skills at the back werealmost non-existent. Hopefully coach Bernd Stange will have fixed their defensive problems by now, but their forward play was  certainly pleasing on the eye, a team which gets the ball down to feet and plays snappy, on-your-toes football. If the Honduras midfield and defence isn’t alert from the off, we feel Belarus will cause the World Cup side all sorts of problems.

From an Honduras perspective, we merely watching on from afar. They were workmanlike during qualifying rather than ruthless, and were it not for some piece of good fortune elsewhere they wouldn’t even of made the finals. They aren’t a country mile better than Belarus on paper we feel, with both teams having equally dangerous players within their midsts, but our gut is feeling us that Honduras coach Rueda may well try out some of his fringe players for this clash and if that’s to be the case, we would have to side with Belarus at attractive odds.

Our Recommendation: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.00 Boylesports

Reinaldo Rueda, the Honduras coach, has already named the 23 players he will take to South Africa for the country’s second participation in a FIFA World Cup, as well as seven reserves in case of injuries at the last minute.

All coaches have the option, to select a provisional squad of up to 30 players in preparation for the finals which kick-off in a months time. Reuda, though, already has a squad in mind and clearly wasn’t afraid to axe several who may have been on the periphery of making the initial squad.

Honduras are a country which don’t exactly produce world-class players on a regular basis, nor do they have too many players in the European spotlight, but there are a handful which will make Honduras a jifty little outfit in South Africa, a team which could very well spring a few surprises and surpass most people’s expectations.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Wilson Palacios is the obvious stand out, although Wigan Athletic’s Maynor Figeroa is another which may relate to some of the English public. However, while the two mentioned look a certainty to feature in every game for Honduras in the finals barring any injuries, the danger man for Honduras are David Suazo (Genoa) and veteran Carlos Pavon (Real Espana) the latter being the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 57 goals in 98 appearances. At 36 years-old, some would say Pavon is passed it, but he played an integral part in getting Honduras into the finals and was a must for coach Rueda.

The rest of the Honduras squad are relatively unknown, some of which are fortunate enough to play in Europe, but more than half-a-dozen ply their trade back home in Honduras.

One player we feel is worth keeping an eye out for is Torino winger, Julio Leon. The former Parma Midfielder can be a real handful down the flanks and will be Pavon’s, the Honduras goal-getter, main provider.

Honduras‘ first assignment in South Africa will be to adjust to their new surroundings before clashing with Chile on 16th June, as well as later meeting with Switzerland and 2008 European Champions Spain in Group H.

Honduras 23-man Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ricardo Canales, Noel Valladares, Donis Escober

Defenders: Victor Bernardez, Maynor Figueroa, Boniek Garcia, Sergio Mendoza, Emilio Izaguirre, Johnny Palacios, Mauricio Sabillon, Osman Chavez

Midfielders: Edgar Alvarez, Julio Cesar de Leon, Roger Espinoza, Amado Guevara, Ramon Nunez, Wilson Palacios, Hendry Thomas, Danilo Turcios

Forwards: David Suazo , Georgie Welcome, Carlos Pavon, Walter Martinez
 

 Manager: Reinaldo Rueda
Captain: Amado  Guevara
FIFA Ranking: 40
World Cup Appearances: 1
Best World Cup: Round 1 – 1982

Honduras Team Profile

The Hondurans, in just their second ever World Cup, will have been pleased with their group in that it’s competitive enough that they could maybe spring a surprise with progression, while the dream fixture will be the one with the 2008 European Champions Spain.

As we’ve already mentioned, this will be just the second time Honduras will play in a World Cup after a 28 year drought without one. They are a surprise inclusion as very few fancied their chances in the North American qualifying sector, while Los Catrachos needed a huge slice of luck elsewhere to seal their progression, as a late USA goal against Costa Rica sparked frantic celebration over in Honduras. They’ll feel the Gods were looking down on them that day, and with the footballing Gods apparently on their side, they’ll head to South Africa with plenty of optimism aiming to bypass a fairly average Group H. Of course, Spain will be a tough assignment and one they look destined to fail in, but Chile and Switzerland aren’t the strongest of nation and so rightly so Honduras will fancy their chances of springing a genuine surprise in South Africa.

Nickname: Los Catrachos

Honduras Key Players

The majority of the Honduras team aren’t household names, while those of you who follow the main band of European league might recognise a few. The stand outs, though, are Amado Guevara (Captain), Wilson Palacios, David Suazo and their all-time leading scorer Carlos Pavon. The latter is 36 years of age but still manage to accumulate seven goals in nine qualifiers for his country, and while he may not have the freshest pair of legs, his experience and wisdom will be influential for the rest of the team.

Everyone should know what Wilson Palacios is all about. He’s one of the more professional players in the Premier League at his club Tottenham Hotspur. He simply sits in the centre of the field, calmly collecting the ball and distributing it all around the pitch. Palacios goes about his business in quite manner, but he’s effective at what he does and without him in the side Honduras would struggle to retain possession.

Carlos Pavon took most of the limelight with his 7 goals in 9 qualifiers, but he was amply assisted by Genoa’s David Suazo, who has been around the block with some big clubs in Europe, and he too has valuable experience and know-how which will aid Honduras well in South Africa in front of goal.

Justin Leon is another player to keep an eye out for, as his pace down the left flank will enable Honduras to puss forward more and exploit the full-back areas. He will look to bomb forward, hit the byline and deliver a telling cross in an area where either Pavon or Suazo can pounce.

Strengths

I would say undoubtedly their experienced forward duo of Carlos Pavon and David Suazo. They’ve experienced the big time at club level, while they’ve been in the Honduras team long enough to know where the through balls will go and where the crosses will land. Honduras have two smart and intelligent forwards at the forefront of their attack, two players which know how to sniff out a chance. The pair are proper goal-getters and will be valuable to Honduras over the course of the summer.

Weaknesses

Seeing as we haven’t seen too much of them, the lack of strength within the deeper reaches of the squad would be a concern, while the unfamiliarity of their defence will also spring a few doubts. Moreover, the fact they’ve scraped through qualification by the skin of teeth means they are the worst of the three North American teams in South Africa, which considering North American football isn’t the strongest, doesn’t bode at all well.

World Cup Potential: 1/5

We’re certain the Hondurans (Not an official nickname, but we’re sure it will catch on soon enough) will be a spirited bunch, and their travelling support of Honduras followers will make for a party atmosphere on the sidelines. Their two experienced forwards give them half-a-chance of perhaps nicking a few points off either Chile and Switzerland, but progression from the group would be a real surprise and an unlikely scenario. Even so, they’ll give their all and could well be a nation the neutrals pledge their vow of support to. After all, everyone loves an underdog.

Honduras World Cup Betting Odds

Honduras to win the World Cup: 1500  Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on Honduras were 1000/1 

Official Honduras World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Noel Valladares (Olimpia)

Donis Escober (Olimpia)

Ricardo Canales (Motagua)

Defenders

Sergio Mendoza (Motagua)

Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua)

Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Greentown/China)

Osman Chavez (Platense)

Johnny Palacios (Olimpia)

Maynor Figueroa (Wigan Athletic)

Victor Bernardez (RSC Anderlecht)

Midfielders

Danilo Turcios (Olimpia)

Hendry Thomas (Wigan Athletic)

Edgard Alvarez (AS Bari)

Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards)

Amado Guevara (Motagua)

Wilson Palacios (Tottenham Hotspur)

Julia Cesar de Leon (Torino)

Oscar Boniek Garcia (Olimpia)

Strikers

Walter Martinez (Marathon)

Georgie Welcom (Motagua)

Ramon Nunez (Olimpia)

Carlos Pavon (Real Espana)

David Suazo (FC Genoa)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Honduras Fixtures – Group H

World Cup Group H - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of Honduras

The United States can cement their place in South Africa 2010 with a victory over Honduras on Saturday. If the US make it again, it will be their sixth consecutive appearance at the finals, and more often than not, they produce some interesting games on the biggest footballing stage of all. The US are almost averaging two goals a game throughout Qualifying, and young striker Jozy Altidore, who has represented his country on most levels, has netted 6 of their fourteen qualifying campaign goals.

The youngster, who is no stranger to fans of the Premier League, where he plays for Hull City (on loan from Spanish team Villarreal), has a total of 8 goals in 19 senior international appearances. He is also the youngest ever player to score a hat trick while representing the United States, a feat he achieved earlier in the year in a qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago. There will a lot a stake on Saturday, for one betting streak to follow, the US have beaten Honduras 2-1 in each of their last three meetings.

The US host some more names that may be recognisable, such as Tim Howard, DeMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan, Carlos Bocanegra and Fulham’s Clint Dempsey. Midfielder Dempsey picked up an injury in the Premier League which will keep him out of the line up against Honduras. Dempsey has been the other main source of goals alongside Altidore, with five to his credit during qualifying.

The Americans need one victory from their remaining two games to book a plane ticket to South Africa 2010. All of their three defeats during the Qualifying campaign have been away from home, and they narrowly beat Honduras 2-1 on home turf in Chicago in June. Surrounding that game were defeats by Mexico and Costa Rica. The exciting, technically gifted side that Honduras are, will not be a pushover, despite the USA’s dominance over them in recent games. Honduras have been scoring well of late, and have won all of their last eight qualifying games at home. The 1-0 away defeat in their last qualifying game against Mexico, dented their confidence a little.

Honduras currently sit in third place, just three points behind the United States, and it is still feasible that either of them could end up in fourth place in the table, which would mean that they would face a play-off against the fifth placed team from South America. Both will be hoping to avoid that scenario, so everything is up for grabs on Saturday. Honduras will be relying on their Carlos duo, Pavon and Costly, who have each scored 6 goals during qualifying.

Costa Rica, the team currently sat in fourth place in the table, are the visitors to the United States on Wednesday, and they will be a team who are hungry for points themselves. This will be a close finish for the top four. Mexico can also book a place at next year’s World Cup with a win over El Salvador.

Honduras to win: 9/5 at Paddy Power
Draw: 9/4 at Totesport
USA to win: 9/5 at SportingBet