The Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit could witness a few goals on Wednesday afternoon, especially with an attack-minded Chile in town. Marcelo Bielsa’s team could be a breath of fresh air in the World Cup due to their unique attacking approach, which sees La Roja play three in defence, three in midfield and three in attack.
It appears as though star Chilean striker Humberto Suazo is going to be fit for this opening encounter, with the Zaragoza striker having managed ten goals in eighteen qualifying matches. Indeed, only Brazil managed to score more in the south American section, while the three-man defence means they’re likely to ship a few goals too.
Honduras will have nothing to lose from this opening match, especially as they face Spain after this. Manager Reinaldo Rueda will be looking for Wilson Palacios and Amado Guevara to keep things tight in front of a frail defence, although an early Chilean goal could see this game descend into a very entertaining encounter.
PREDICTION: OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 2.05 with BET365
Power Rating
Squad (2/5)
Held together remarkably well in qualification but will it withstand the greater pressures of the greatest football show on earth?
Squad (3/5)
Young enough to want to win and tough enough and good enough to maintain the momentum from qualification.
Coach (3/5)
A quiet and impressive disciplinarian who has stamped his mark on a group of players who have talent but occasionally lack cohesiveness.
Coach (3/5)
Marcelo Bielsa’s attention to detail is such that he has been known to measure the pitch himself. He deserves some kind of recompense for all the pain of 2002.
Attack (2.5/5)
Had they been a few years younger, Honduras might have been a very impressive forward outfit but time is beginning to take its toll.
Attack (3/5)
The number of goals scored in qualification is testament to what the forward line led by Fernandez, Sanchez and Suazo are capable of.
Defence (1.5/5)
A great weakness with players either out of contract, playing in the Chinese second division or in Honduras’ own, under-strength domestic league.
Defence (3/5)
They are unlikely ever to plumb the depth of the Battle of Santiago but they can be an uncompromising bunch.