WORLD CUP 2014 COUNTDOWN- TEAM HONDURAS

 WORLD CUP 2014 COUNTDOWN- TEAM HONDURAS


HONDURAS WANT TO TAKE NEXT STEP
For the first time in their history, Honduras have qualified for a second consecutive World Cup. With their latest qualification, another trip to the semifinals at the 2013 Gold Cup, and a good showing at the 2012 Olympics, Honduras will feel confident they can advance to the knockout stage for the first time at a World Cup. They may be one of the biggest underdogs, but could spring a surprise along the way.
WHO GOT THEM THERE

WATCH: Espinoza's Story

Roger Espinoza, M, Wigan Athletic: The former Sporting Kansas City midfield warrior has blossomed into an effective two-way player and one of the best in all of CONCACAF. With not only the ability to break up plays in the center of the field but also terrific passing to set up the attack, Espinoza will likely be the key man for the Hondurans in Brazil.
Carlo Costly, F, Guizhou Zhicheng: The striker may not have settled with the Houston Dynamo in MLS, but he has been indispensible for his national team, ranking second in scoring through qualification and scoring in both qualifiers against Mexico this year. Why is he so dangerous? He has signature moves like the Costlina (watch it here).
Emilio Izaguirre, D, Celtic: Although he typically plays at left back, he's at his best going forward and setting up teammates with crosses. He may face a tricky test in the World Cup in balancing defense and attack, but he has featured on the big stage before.
THE COACH
Luis Fernando Suárez, hired in 2011 after more than 10 years coaching in South America, has helped Honduras continue their rise since the last World Cup. A defender during his playing days in Colombia, Suárez has provided the Catrachos with consistency, employing the same 4-4-2 scheme and a regular startin
Suárez also has experience coaching in the World Cup, as he led Ecuador to their best-ever showing in 2006, when they progressed to the knockout stage. Can he do it with another team?
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
WCQ record: 4-3-3, 15 pts. / 13 GF, 12 GA (3rd place in CONCACAF Hexagonal)
After stumbling through the first half of the Hexagonal, Honduras went unbeaten in their final four games of qualification. The crucial win came in the "Aztecazo," a stunning 2-1 over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in September which helped them clinch the region's last automatic spot.
WORLD CUP HISTORY
Third appearance
The 2014 tournament will be the third trip to the World Cup for Honduras, after qualifying in both 1982 and 2010. They are still seeking their first win in the World Cup, though they have drawn half of their previous games at the tournament. In 2010, they only conceded three goals in the group stage, but they did not score in any of their games.