Honduras

Being one of the poorest countries to send a team to the World Cup, Honduras is not a team to beat but weighs the hopes on entire nations on its shoulders. Although they shouldn’t advance into the knockout stages, they have a shot at causing an upset.

Back to Olympics?

Football means much to people from Honduras. When playing in Poland, Osman Chavez, the team’s centre back, was motivated in training but shouts: “Benzema! Benzema!” And he did step up then. “Football helps people forget struggles in life” players have told FIFA.com.

Honduras wants to build a team around the players that two years ago managed to get into the quarter-finals of London Olympics. The FA appointed Luis Fernando Suarez, who guided Ecuador to Round of 16 of the 2006 World Cup. From the start, he has given Honduras organisation and unity that the team needed to compete.

Premier League quality

If it’s one thing that this will be remembered, it’ll be their team-work, not their individual quality or creativity. Honduras’ most important player in Maynor Figueroa, who guided Hull City to FA Cup final this year. Able to play also at centre-back, he is best known to be a solid left back. His story is one of the dreams of every young footballer. He started playing in Honduras’ senior football in 1999 and nine years later, he moved to England, to Wigan Athletic – first on a loan and then on a permanent deal. He never really made a huge mistake and earned next contract in Hull.

In midfield, Honduras has an experienced player in Wilson Palacios, who is also a solid footballer in the Premier League. Currently playing in Stoke City, he made several appearances in Champions League with Tottenham Hotspur.

Upfront, they have good strikers in Carlo Costly and Jerry Bengston. Both of them guided Honduras to a 2-0 win over Mexico in the qualifying, which was dubbed the greatest game in nations recent history. Costly also acknowledges creativity of Roger Espinosa, Luis Garrido and Jorge Claros and their ability to create chances.

Overall, Honduras is a solid unit and in top form should be able to cause an upset in one game. But due to their lack of depth, they will return home after three games.

Playing style

According to local journalists, Suarez managed to develop team’s defence. He utilises a classic 4-4-2 formation with a solid bank of four defenders with limited offensive duties. Same goes for the two holding midfielders. Two forwards upfront like to look for space wide and link up with wingers.

Coach

Luis Suarez is not as aggressive as his Uruguayan namesake. Believer in good football, he taught his players respect for the game. “Game itself is the most important thing” he told FIFA.com.

Schedule and BETEGY suggestions

15th June, Porto Alegre: vs. France (0-2)

20th June, Curitiba: vs. Ecuador (1-2)

25th June, Manaus: vs. Switzerland (0-1)

Three defeats and just one goal scored – that will be their most likely result according to BETEGY. Honduras has just 7% chance of qualifying to the knockout stages.