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A to Z of WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA 2010 - Honduras
HONDURAS
Until their qualification for the World Cup Finals in South Africa Honduras had made only one previous appearance in the latter stages of FIFA’s premier competition. About 28 years ago they held hosts Spain to a very creditable 1-1 draw but were not able to build on this and so did not progress beyond the first round of the 1982 tournament. In the final qualifying matches of the upcoming event in South Africa, Honduras had to beat El Salvador and hope that the USA got at least a draw against Costa Rica. El Salvador were duly beaten 1-0 but Costa Rica led 1-0 in their match. In the final seconds of that game the Americans equalised and Honduras secured the third qualifying spot over Costa Rica on goal difference only.
Such a narrow ‘escape’ seems to have strengthened the resolve of the Honduran players to make their country proud of them. Wigan’s left-back, Maynor Figueroa said “We have even more responsibility on us because it is the only source of happiness for the Honduran people at what was a very difficult time. Luckily we made it and it helped take their minds off what was going on”. The ‘what was going on’ is a reference to the military coup and the ensuing political turmoil which all kicked off in June 2009.
The side is coached by the very experienced Reinaldo Rueda who took over in June 2007. He is a one-time coach of Columbia and a University Professor as well! Amado Guevara, an attacking midfielder is the captain. Alongside him is Figueroa’s teammate from Wigan, Hendry Thomas and of course, Tottenham’s Wilson Palacios. The goals are likely to come from the strike partnership of Genoa’s David Suazo ( a cousin of Hendry Thomas) and home-based Carlos Pavon – his country’s leading goal-scorer.
As in 1982 Honduras have been drawn in the same group ( Group H) as Spain. Joining them will be Chile and Switzerland. Despite their 38th ranking by FIFA, Honduras are seen as the Group’s minnows. This has not stopped Anderlecth defender Victor Bernardez talking up his country’s chances: “ The current side is the best in the history of Honduran football”. Nonetheless bookmakers seem quietly convinced that the Central American side will not progress beyond Round 1. Coral are offering odds of 50/1 on Honduras winning Group H, whilst Victor Chandler have them at 5/1 to make it into the last 16. On the other hand Skybet have them back on the plane ‘early doors’ at odds of 1/8 and you can’t really argue with that!
Posted: Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 @ 08:02 pm by Mark
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