What: Honduras vs. Chile, Group H, Match 1
When: Wednesday, June 16, 7:30 am ET
Where: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
TV: ESPN, Univision
One of the most closely-watched coaches of the tournament is Marcelo Bielsa, the former Argentina boss who has rewired Chile’s soccer expectations in just three short years. But now comes the hard part: living up to the expectations of a second-place finish in the CONMEBOL standings. Their quest starts against a Honduras team perhaps lucky just to be here, especially following a 3-0 loss to Romania in during a World Cup tune-up. But there is plenty to worry about from Hondurans, who went toe-to-toe with CONCACAF big brothers Mexico and the US during qualifying.
HONDURAS
Los Catrachos are inevitably led by captain Amado Guevara, a former MLS stalwart who’s been with the Honduras national team since 1994. This is, however, Guevara’s first World Cup (and Honduras’ first appearance since 1982), so it’s tough to know what to expect from a team that has exceeded its expectations to reach South Africa. The positive, though, is that few expect Honduras to make much noise in this group, meaning they could sneak up on a Chile team fixated on Switzerland or Spain.
Potentially without offensive center point David Suazo, a Serie A forward who plays for Genoa, Honduras are a bit handcuffed. Much of the onus then falls on Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios, and Real España forward Carlos Pavon. Pavon is the leading scorer for Honduras, and has been a fixture with the team since 1993.
Young Kansas City Wizards midfielder Roger Espinoza is with Honduras in South Africa. He is not expected to start, but he came on for the second 45 in the 3-0 loss to Romania, and the 23-year-old could be a surprise sub off the bench if coach Reinaldo Rueda needs to inject a late spark.
CHILE
Chile exceeded expectations in qualifying, but where did it get them? There are still plenty of doubters for La Roja, who will look to get three quick points in arguably their most winnable match in group play. The expectations, though, are realistic. Bielsa’s group is one of the most attack-oriented teams in the World Cup, and their offense prowess should give Honduras fits.
The focal point is Humberto Suazo, the leading scorer in CONMEBOL qualifying and a recent pickup for Real Zaragoza. He and the rest of the Chilean side don’t hold much back. They’ll attack with three men up top and likely go for the throat from the opening whistle, looking to prove the doubters of offensive firepower completely wrong.
Players to Watch
Honduras:Amado Guevara. Guevara was a star in MLS, but he’s been back home in Honduras with Montagua since December. He is the engine for this team, but this is first shot at the world’s biggest stage, and even for a national team veteran, that could be daunting.
Chile: Alexis Sánchez. Is there a better nickname in the World Cup than "El Niño Maravilla (The Wonder Boy?)” Sánchez is certainly worthy of it – at just 21, he’s one of the best young players in South Africa and could be about to break into bigger and better things.
Final Analysis
If Chile really do expect to challenge Spain for the top spot here or just advance, they’ll need to capitalize on the one gimme match on the docket. They should be able to get the three here against a Honduras team out of their league.
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