Honduras World Cup Squad Preview

Written by Tony Concannon Sunday, 23 May 2010 09:35

World Cup Squad Previews

This will only be the second time Honduras have qualified for the Word Cup, the other being in 1982. They only just sneaked through this time though, edging out Costa Rica on goal difference. A final day victory over El Salvador and a crucial last-minute goal by the United States against the unfortunate Costa Ricans clinched Honduras' place. The fact Honduras made it to South Africa at all is a remarkable feat in itself, given the political uncertainty in the country during their qualifying campaign. A little bit of politics there.

However, Honduras are not to be underestimated and boast a number of names playing for European teams. Midfielder Wilson Palacios has made a big impression in the Premier League. He cost $16m when he moved from Wigan to Tottenham earlier this season, and his former club mates Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa have also been linked with big money moves. Striker David Suazo of Genoa is capable of a goal or two, while the magnificently named Julio Cesar de Leon also plies his trade in Italy with Torino.

Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda will have to do without key front man Carlos Costly, who is out for 6 weeks after fracturing his right foot. I apologize in advance for saying that while it is a costly injury for Carlos it is a welcome one for Georgie, Georgie Welcome that is, Costly's replacement. Wow. Great names.

Although they probably won't get out of Group H (because I've already talked up Chile's chances, and they've got no chance against Spain) they could well spring a little surprise or snatch a draw against the Swiss. Don't stake too much money on it though. That would be a costly mistake and one most welcome by the bookies. Sorry. 

Honduras are currently 1000/1 on Betfair to win the World Cup but many shrewdies could be taking the slight odds-on on them finishing bottom of Group H

Honduras squad:

Goalkeepers: Ricardo Canales (Motagua), Noel Valladares (Olimpia), Donis Escober (Olimpia).

Defenders: Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Oscar Garcia (Olimpia), Sergio Mendoza (Motagua), Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua), Johnny Palacios (Olimpia), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Luchen), Osman Chavez (Platense).

Midfielders: Edgard Alvarez (Bari), Julio Cesar de Leon (Torino), Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards), Amado Guevara (Motagua), Ramon Nunez (Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham Hotspur), Hendry Thomas (Wigan), Danilo Turcios (Olimpia).

Forwards: David Suazo (Genoa), Georgie Welcome (Motagua), Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), Walter Martinez (Marathon)

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