#31-Honduras

#31-Honduras
Nickname-Los Catrachos
CONCACAF
FIFA Ranking-#42
Group E (Argentina, Switzerland, Ecuador, Honduras)
Projected Results...
Loss to France
Loss to Switzerland
Tie to Ecuador
Manager-Luis Fernando Suarez
Qualified through third place in CONCACAF Hexagonal
3rd World Cup Appearance (1982, 2010)
Projected Finish-Fourth in Group E

Honduras is an up and coming national team that has qualified for their second straight World Cup, a big step for the status of the team.  Honduras qualified mainly through taking advantage of Mexico's futility.  There are not many players on the squad that play in big leagues in Europe, but the team can surprise with its ability to counter attack and score timely goals.  Honduras has a group where they can surprise if they can get a tie against France or Switzerland and beat Ecuador.  I think a tie against Ecuador is doable, but a win will be difficult and this team doesn't have the firepower that will be needed to progress past the group stage.  However, even though ranked at #31, they are definitely an improving team and could surprise at the tournament.

Players to Watch

Carlo Costly-Playing club football for Real Espana, he has 30 goals in 68 performances for the national team.  His strike rate is far better than anyone else's for Honduras, and he will be counted on to make the best of his opportunities.  Look for Andy Najar to possibly provide some offense off of the bench.

Roger Espinoza-Playing for Wigan Athletic (recently relegated from the English Premier League) this guy is a deadly attacking midfielder.  His ball distribution is way better than anyone else's in the squad, and he can be a difference maker.  If his distribution is on point on the counterattack to Costly, Honduras could do some serious damage.

Maynor Figueroa-He will be the anchor of the defense. He plays his club football in the English Premier League for Hull City, and has 101 appearances for the national team.  He provides a lot of quality for a team that lacks some big league experience.

Honduras will need these three to be at their very best to advance past the group stage.  I would be surprised if they advanced but they are in a group that could suit them well.