As we countdown to the World Cup we preview each of the sides taking part. Next up it is Honduras.
As we countdown to the start of the World Cup on June 11, Fox Soccer's Jamie Trecker will preview each of the 32 teams playing in South Africa and tell you everything you need to know about each nation represented at the world's greatest sporting event. Here he looks at Group H minnows Honduras.
Honduras are taking part in only their second World Cup finals and, perhaps, on the world stage, the country is currently better known for its politics; you might recall that a key World Cup qualifying match against the USA was nearly called off after a coup ousted the sitting president.
The irony is that while the match was played - and Honduras lost 3-2 - it was the US who helped the Hondurans qualify for their first World Cup since 1982 by drawing with Costa Rica in the final match of qualification.
But first, a little football-specific history: Honduras is one of the few places to have fought in something called the "Soccer War." A loss in the qualifying round for the 1970 World Cup ignited a six-day war against neighbours El Salvador, sparked in part by riots in the aftermath of the game. The war was actually a bit more complex than that - it related to arcane immigration issues - but the point is that these folks take their football seriously.
This is actually the best Honduran team in ages. If they were in a weaker group, they might make some noise.
PAST WORLD CUP SUCCESS:
None. This is only the second time Honduras have made the big dance. In 1982, they held hosts Spain to a 1-1 draw in the opener and also drew with Northern Ireland before losing to Yugoslavia.
REGIONAL SUCCESS:
The high water mark was a fluke win in the 2001 Copa America, where they knocked out Brazil 2-0 in the quarter-finals (if you remember correctly, that whole tournament was a bit of a mess and overshadowed by security concerns, with Canada and Argentina pulling out, so let's keep that in perspective). They've won the UNCAF Cup twice (1993, 1995), but haven't really established themselves as a consistent force in the region. Best meaningful result of late was their third place finish in last year's Gold Cup.
LEAGUE OVERVIEW:
The 10-team Liga Nacional is dominated by three clubs: Olimpia, Motagua and Real Espana. Olimpia are by far and away the most decorated team, having won the old CONCACAF Champions Cup twice.
MANAGER:
Colombian Reinaldo Rueda. Interestingly enough, Rueda never played professional football. His reputation was secured during his tenure with Colombia's youth teams.
KEY PLAYERS:
They have some guys who can play. David Suazo (Genoa) has been solid for them up top and Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), now a creaky 36, doesn't act his age. Wilson Palacios has helped Tottenham secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, while Maynor Figueroa and Hendry Thomas are part of the Wigan Athletic squad.
FIFA RANKINGS: 40th
Highest was 20th (2002), lowest was 95th (1998).
