Set to begin next month, the 2014 World Cup will feature some of the top individual talent the sport of professional soccer has to offer. Superstars in Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Javier Hernandez, Brazil star Neymar and many others are expected to put forth strong solo performances and while a large spotlight will certainly be place on the aforementioned stars, each one of the 32 teams participating in the summer games will be looking to make a strong run, a run they hope will lead to a 2014 World Cup title.
One of those teams optimistic about their chances come the June 12 start date is Honduras. Los Catrachos finished third in the CONCACAF Qualifying group behind the United States and Costa Rica in order to seal their place at the Brazil games and even though the international club still has four weeks to decide who will land on the final roster, head coach Luis Fernando Suarez wasted no time in solidifying his 23-man squad after announcing the full team this week. Though he understands certain players will be upset by not gaining selected, the Honduras boss notes that young talent such as keeper Luis Lopez will gain great experience by participating at this year’s tournament.
“I ask the ones who have not been called up to understand,” Fernando, who led the Ecuadorian National team to the Round of 16 at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, said at a recent press conference where he announced his official team. “A lot of players were part of this process, but only 23 can be called. I cannot keep everybody satisfied. The Honduran domestic league has had good keepers such as Yul Arzu, John Bodden, Jose Mendoza. Luis [Lopez] has enormous potential and soon will replace Noel Valladares.”
Set to open their World Cup schedule with a Group E showdown against France on June 15, Honduras will also face tough competition in the group stage from Switzerland and Ecuador.
Honduras National Team World Cup Roster
Goalkeepers - Noel Valladares, Donis Escober (both Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana).
Defenders - Brayan Beckeles (Olimpia), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic), Juan Carlos Garcia (Wigan), Maynor Figueroa (Hull), Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes), Osman Chavez (Qingdao Janoon), Juan Pablo Montes (Motagua).
Midfielders - Arnold Peralta (Rangers), Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Roger Espinoza (Wigan), Jorge Claros (Motagua), Wilson Palacios (Stoke), Oscar Garcia (Houston Dynamo), Andy Najar (Anderlecht), Mario Martinez (Real Espana), Marvin Chavez (Colorado Rapids).
Strikers - Jerry Bengtson (New England Revolution), Jerry Palacios (Alajuelense), Carlo Costly (Real Espana), Rony Martinez (Real Sociedad).
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