Share

Honduras Team Fact Box

accreditation
Previous appearances in finals: 1

Nickname: Los Catrachos (The Hondurans)

Best performance: Eliminated in group stage in 1982

Coach: Reinaldo Rueda. The Colombian took Los Catrachos to their second World Cup finals thanks to his ability to create a solid team unit with players of undoubted individual talent. Made his mark as Colombia under-20 coach, leading the team to third place in the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2003. Had two years in charge of Colombia but was unable to get them to the 2006 World Cup.

Captain: Amado Guevara

Key players:

David Suazo
Age: 30
Position: Forward
Club: Inter Milan
FIFA World Cup Qualifier appearances: 29 (2002, 2006, 2010)
Goals: 11

Despite limited chances at Inter, after impressing with Cagliari, Suazo continues to sparkle for Honduras with his raw pace, physical presence and exceptional finishing. Will be keen to show the world his skills in South Africa.

Wilson Palacios
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
FIFA World Cup Qualifier appearances: 20 (2006, 2010)
Goals: 2

If there is a single player who has helped to transform Honduras from nearly-men to World Cup qualifiers it is Palacios with his powerful style and intelligent organisation in the centre of midfield. With so many attacking players around him, Palacios has brought English-style steel to the team.

FIFA world ranking May 2010: 34

How they qualified: Pipped Costa Rica to third place with a good away win over CONCACAF rivals El Salvador last month. Few could argue with the outcome after the Hondurans crushed Costa Rica 4-0 in August.

Prospects: Like their fellow CONCACAF qualifiers, Honduras will need all their elements to come together perfectly for Rueda's team to achieve anything beyond the group stage, which would be considered a success.

World Cup Squad

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

Defenders: Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht, Belgium), Osman Chavez (Platense, Argentina), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan, England), Oscar Garcia (Olimpia), Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua), Sergio Mendoza (Motagua), Johnny Palacios (Olimpia), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Lucheng, China)

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

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


Wilson Palacios (left) will be instrumental in the Honduran defence. (AFP)
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()