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Honduras have re-emerged on the global stage after a hiatus of 28-years, qualifying for only their second ever FIFA World Cup finals. Their last visit to the promised land took place in 1982 when they made the journey over to Spain, only to return home after the Group Stage without a win to their name. While qualification to the second round would undoubtedly be a dream come true, their first order of business will surely be to register a first ever win in the competition.

The lowest ranked team in Group H at 40th in the world, Honduras find themselves in a tough Group H which includes the reigning European champions Spain, South American powerhouse Chile and Switzerland.

Honduras barely sneaked into the World Cup on the last day of qualification. They needed to beat El Salvador and hope that the US would not lose to Costa Rica to ensure a ride to South Africa. Honduras kept their end of the bargain with a 1-0 win courtesy of a 63rd minute strike from Carlos Pavon, but had to wait for an injury time equalizer from the United States to send them through. An unlucky Costa Rica side led 2-0 at the break, and were denied by two late goals from Michael Bradley and Jonathan Bornstein.

There are no easy games for Honduras in this group. They open their campaign against Chile, who finished second behind Brazil in South American qualifying. That match is followed 5 days later by a colossal assignment against Spain. They round off their matches hoping to catch the Swiss offguard.

Key Players:

David Suazo: The highly rated striker is one of the best exports of the Honduras ever. Known for his blistering speed and a clinical finishing, David Suazo will be hoping to do well for his country in his first ever World Cup. The ex-Inter Milan striker has been unlucky with injuries and found himself off the field more often than on it recently. His match-fitness is a concern for Honduras who'll be highly expectant of their big star.

Wilson Palacios: The heartbeat of the Honduras team, the commanding central midfielder has been an instant hit since making the move to the Premier League with Wigan Atheltic and then more recently with Tottenham Hotspur. The box-to-box midfielder is known for his robust tackles and unending reserves of energy. With Hendry Thomas for company in midfield, expect Palacios to play higher up the pitch for Honduras this summer.

Maynor Figueroa: A talented left back, Maynor Figueroa with his quick pace, strong defending and brilliant forward runs has been impressive for his club Wigan in recent years. His experience of having played in the Premier League could be vital in an otherwise mediocre back four.

Team:

Goalkeepers: Ricardo Canales (Motagua), Donis Escober (Olimpia), Kevin Hernandez (Real Espana), Noel Valladares (Deportivo Olimpia)

Defenders: Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Erick Norales (Marathon), Edgar Alvarez (Bari), Johny Palacios (Olimpia), Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua), Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Luchen), Mariano Acevedo (Marathon), Osman Chavez (Platense), Johnny Leveron (Motagua), Sergio Mendoza (Motagua)

Midfielders: Amado Guevara (Motagua), Danilo Turcios (Olimpia), Julio Cesar de Leon (Torino), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham), Hendry Thomas (Wigan), Roger Espinoza(Kansas City Wizards), Oscar Garcia(Malaga), Ramon Nunez (C D Olimpia)

Forwards: David Suazo (Genoa), Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), Walter Martinez (Marathon), Georgie Welcome (Motagua), Jerry Palacios (Hangzhou Greentown), Melvin Valladares (Real Espana)), Jerry Bengtson (Vida).

Top Goal Scorers: Carlos Pavón (57), Amado Guevara (29)

Most Capped Players: Amado Guevara (133), Carlos Pavón (98)

Head Coach: Reinaldo Rueda

Form Guide: (LDLLW)
Jan 24, United States 1-3 Honduras
Mar 03, Turkey 2-0 Honduras
Apr 22, Honduras 0-1 Venezuela
May 27, Belarus 2-2 Honduras
June 5, Romania 3-0 Honduras

Fixtures:
16-Jun: Honduras vs. Chile 12:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
21-Jun: Spain vs Honduras 7:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
25-Jun: Switzerland vs. Honduras 7:30pm (GMT)

Team Trivia

El Salvador & Honduras broke into a war due to a clash in the 1970 qualifying competition. In between the three qualifying matches between arch-rivals and neighbors El Salvador and Honduras in 1969, there were riots and killings amongst the fans. Due to which a war was fought between the two countries in July 1969 resulting in thousands of people being killed or injured. Historians term this as 'The War of Soccer'

Also Read:

Group Competitior Previews: Spain, Chile, Switzerland

Group H Preview

Photograph Copyright: Ryu Voelkel

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