World Cup Fantasy Preview: Honduras

Goalkeepers:

Noel Valladares (Olimpia), Donis Escober (Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana).

Defenders:

Brayan Beckeles (Olimpia), Arnold Peralta (Rangers), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic), Juan Carlos Garcia (Wigan), Maynor Figueroa (Hull), Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes), Osman Chavez (Qingdao Jonoon), Juan Pablo Montes (Motagua).

Midfielders:

Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Roger Espinoza (Wigan), Jorge Claros (Motagua), Wilson Palacios (Stoke), Oscar Boniek Garcia (Houston Dynamo), Andy Najar (Anderlecht), Mario Martinez (Real Espana), Marvin Chavez (Colorado Rapids).

Forwards:

Jerry Bengtson (New England Revolution), Jerry Palacios (Alajuelense), Carlo Costly (Real Espana), Rony Martinez (Real Sociedad).

Fantasy players to watch

Mayor Figueroa

Once Wigan Athletic now Hull City, we all know Figueroa as a pretty decent left back.  He is a definite starter and has passed 100 caps for his national team.  The squads leader will play as a centre back in Brazil and is their most important player.

Emilio Izaguirre

Also well known to you as Celtic's left back.  Many Manchester United's fan's pick to replace Evra over the last three years he has had a great season.  Flying full back will provide many of the attacking options for the team.

Roger Espinoza

WIgan squad man Roger is a safe starter for his country.  None stop runner and constant irritation to opposing full backs.  He will be expected to combine with Izaguirre to create the chances for the team.

Carlo Costly

The greatly named Costly is tall and powerful and looks to convert the supply line from the wide areas.  30 goals in 68 games says he is effective at that role.

Conclusions

The whole of the side meet one model.  A team of big powerful players whose system is based around winning possession.  From there they intend to get the ball wide and with fast attacks supply crosses for the forwards.  Based just on the mentioned friendly with a strong England we saw all of these elements.  They will not roll over and as long as they hold the opposition out they will frustrate them.  They also enjoy gamesmanship.  As big as they are they were often found rolling around in agony from tackles not all of which even had any contact.  This can interfere with opponents rhythm and I can see the french in particular losing their cool if not ahead in the game.

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