Spain v Honduras – Match Preview

Spain will be hoping for a much better result in their second Group H game against Honduras. The destination this time is Johannesburg, and the Ellis Park Stadium. Both teams will be entering the game off the back of 1-0 defeats, where Honduras lost to Chile and the Spanish lost to Switzerland in one of the biggest World Cup shocks so far.

Spain

After the disappointment in their opening game there have been calls for manager Vicente del Bosque to make changes for tonight. After struggling to break the Swiss down Del Bosque could be set to opt for another striker upfront, but keeping the same kind of system. The man coming in will be Fernando Torres. Whilst he looked rusty when he came on in the last game, he provided David Villa with support, something that was much needed against a compact Swiss side.

There have also been calls for the inclusion of Arsenal’s Cesc Fàbregas, who would help provide the team with a more attacking style and a much needed goal threat from midfield. However, it’s likely that he will stick with the same midfield trio as in their last game, with Sergio Busquets maintaining his midfield anchor role.

Injury concerns remain over Andrés Iniesta; he didn’t look his usual self against Switzerland and Del Bosque has admitted that he isn’t feeling right and at 100%. The only other worry is Sergio Ramos but he is expected to overcome the small rib injury that he picked up.

Honduras

Their campaign began with an exciting game against Chile, which was great fun for most but Los Catrachos would’ve been hoping to get some points on the board. Nonetheless, they have a chance, albeit a slim one, to earn something against Spain. However, after seeing Switzerland and they way they played, Reinaldo Rueda will believe he can get his team playing in a similar way.

They will most likely play a more conservative game, featuring a five-man midfield in a 4-1-4-1 system. Getting men behind the ball and counter attacking seems like their best option, hoping to keep the Spanish out and stealing a goal on the break.

Not much is expected to change from their opening game, but David Suazo may return from injury to take his place in the team. They’ll be looking for an inspirational performance from their leader and most talented player – Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios.

Going forward, Julio César de Léon has been a big loss for them but they’ll be hoping Ramon Nuñez and the pacy Edgar Álvarez can provide them with an attacking threat. Also vital to the team is Carlos Pavón, a striker with an impressive record of 57 goals in 101 appearances for his country.  The choice to play the lone striker role will be between him and David Suazo.

Summary

Again everybody is expecting favourites Spain to win – and I agree. They should be much improved this time round and play in a more attacking fashion. But as the Swiss have shown, Spain aren’t invincible and the Hondurans will have no doubt gained inspiration from that. If they can keep disciplined and focused, they will believe that they can also get something out of the game.

Predicted Teams

Spain (4-3-3) – Casillas; S.Ramos, Piqué, Puyol, Capdevila; Busquets, X.Alonso, Xavi; Silva, Villa, Torres.

Honduras (4-1-4-1) – Valladares; Mendoza, Chávez, Figueroa, Izaguirre; Álvarez, Guevara, W.Palacios, Thomas, Nuñez; Suazo.

Group H, Honduras, Spain, World Cup 2010