Jon Karlsson
What: 2010 FIFA World Cup
Who: Honduras vs Chile (Group H)
When: Wednesday 16th June, 2010, at 12:30 UK Time
Where: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa
Group Underdogs
Few apart from the most optimistic Honduras supporters expect them to qualify from this group. Chile, Spain and Switzerland all have serious World Cup experience, but for the central American nation this will be only their second appearance at the tournament. With a splattering of players that ply their trade outside Honduras, coach Reinaldo Rueda, will be banking on those that do being able to exert their influence. The English Premier League duo of defender Maynor Figueroa and midfielder Wilson Palacios (who is expected to be fit), along with Serie A striking stalwart David Suazo have a big big job to do should they wish to help Honduras to the second round.
This lack of experience is something Columbian coach Rueda is all too aware of and there are no simple solutions. "We must compensate for the lack of global experience with a desire and willingness to do things right", warned Rueda, adding the need for the team to develop a "camaraderie" to see them through the difficult times.
Don’t Take Your Eyes Off Them
Chile only know one way to play, and that is to attack. This is perhaps the best reason not to miss a single minute of Chile’s World Cup campaign. Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa plays an adventurous 3-3-1-3 formation which is completely different to any other team in the tournament. A big blow arrived before the World Cup with news of an injury to star striker Humberto Suazo and the stocky goal-getter will be missed. Despite Suazo’s recovery being fast-tracked, it is unlikely he will be risked against Honduras, but members of the squad are certain his absence is not a problem, pointing to Chile’s team ethic and system of play as being about more than just one man.
Chile’s coach is keen to ensure his side do not approach the game underestimating Honduras, aware that could cause major problems. Bielsa warned his men that Honduras "have David Suazo, an outstanding player who shines in Europe". He added: "They also have players playing in England and other European countries."
Recent form
Honduras:
Belarus 2-2 Honduras (27/05; Friendly)
Azerbaijan 0-0 Honduras (02/06; Friendly)
Romania 3-0 Honduras (05/06; Friendly)
Chile:
Chile 3-0 Zambia (27/05; Friendly)
Chile 3-1 Israel (31/05; Friendly)
Chile 2-0 New Zealand (09/06; Friendly)
Players to watch
Honduras – Wilson Palacios: The tigerish midfielder is going to need to replicate the form he regularly shows for his club, Tottenham Hotspur, for his country here. Full of energy and an accomplished international, Palacios will need to lead by example for Honduras. A slight injury worry, due to a thigh injury, Palacios is needed for his country and can be expected to push himself.
Chile – Matias Fernandez: The 24-year-old playmaker is the man Chile will look towards to make things happen. Supremely technically gifted, Fernandez can be the conductor who brings the best out of the Chile band. The Sporting Lisbon star has happy memories against Honduras too, captaining Chile’s FIFA World Youth Championship side to a 7-0 drubbing over the central American nation.
Match prediction
Honduras won’t go down without a fight and can be expected to make Chile work for every inch of ground. However, Bielsa’s attacking system should see Chile create more than a few chances here and they have the talent and know-how to put them away. It won’t be a thrashing, but Chile should still emerge as comfortable winners – 2-0 perhaps.
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