Honduras - Profile
World Cup record:
Previous appearances in finals: One
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.
Key players:
David Suazo (Inter Milan) Age: 30. Forward
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 (Tottenham Hotspur) Age: 25. Midfielder
If there is a single player who has helped 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 Nov 2009: 38th
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 but for Rueda's team anything beyond the group stage will be considered a success.
2010 World Cup 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).
