Honduras - a guide to the World Cup minnows
The Central Americans are in their third World Cup campaign as they look for their first win.
Tuesday 10 June 2014 14:46, UK
Honduras have qualified for their second successive World Cup and they will be looking to make a real impact in Brazil.
When Honduras qualified in 1982 it was seen as something of a novelty, but things have progressed and their qualification in 2010 was followed by a disappointing failure to win a single game in South Africa. Honduras travel to Brazil determined to make a real impact on the world stage.
Honduras' qualification was far from smooth as they navigated the difficult CONCACAF section. They came through their initial group heading a section that consisted of Panama, Canada and Cuba. In the final group they managed to secure third spot - pushing down Mexico into fourth. Highlights included wins over fellow qualifiers United Sates and Costa Rica, while they also sealed a memorable success over Mexico in the Azetca.
Honduras' Group E fixtures
1. Sunday June 15: Honduras v France – Porto Alegre
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2. Friday June 20: Honduras v Ecuador – Curitiba
3. Wednesday June 25: Honduras v Switzerland – Rio de Janeiro
Coach: Luis Fernando Suarez
Best known for masterminding Ecuador's run to the second round of the 2006 World Cup finals, Colombian Suarez took charge of Honduras in 2011 and succesfully guided them to Brazil. Highly rated in the Americas, hopes are high in Honduras that Suarez can achieve their first-ever win at the finals.
Star man: Emilio Izaguirre
The Celtic left-sider is a huge talent and has become one of the best foreign players in the Scottish Premiership. He first came to prominence during the 2010 World Cup finals, after which Celtic paid out £600,000 to seal his signature. He is now an integral part of the Celtic squad, and has constantly been linked with a big-money move to England. A good finals in Brazil could again see him earn a switch.
Tournament best: Group stages in 1982 and 2010
Squad
Goalkeepers: Noel Valladares, Donis Escober (both Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana)
Defenders: Brayan Beckeles (Olimpia), Edder Delgado (Real Espana), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic), Juan Carlos Garcia (Wigan Athletic), Maynor Figueroa (Hull City), Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquake), Osman Chavez (Quingdao Jonoon), Juan Pablo Montes (Motagua)
Midfielders: Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Roger Espinoza (Wigan Athletic), Jorge Claros (Motagua), Wilson Palacios (Stoke City), Oscar Boniek Garcia (Houston Dynamo), Andy Najar (Anderlecht), Mario Martinez (Real Espana), Marvin Chavez (Colorado Rapids)
Forwards: Jerry Bengtson (New England Revolution), Jerry Palacios (Alajuelense), Carlo Costly (Real Espana), Rony Martinez (CD Real Sociedad)
British based players: Arnold Peralta (Rangers), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic), Maynor Figueroa (Hull City), Wilson Palacios (Stoke City), Roger Espinoza (Wigan Athletic)
Sky Bet odds: 2000/1
The Central American outfit are considered the biggest-priced outsiders of all the 32 teams heading to Brazil. Despite being handed a favourable group, they are 9/2 to qualify to the knockout stages for the first time and 16/1 to finish top of the pile.
