Honduras Chile Preview

VERSUS

Time: 1330h
Match: Honduras v. Chile (Group H)

Overview: These two Spanish speaking teams have little else in common. Chile has been the most exciting team in South America over the past 18 months of qualification, brought to a fantastic level by Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, who outshone Maradona in every aspect. Honduras qualified, and have good players but also have weaknesses in speed and fitness not shared by the Chileans.

This young generation of highly skilled Chileans comes to this World Cup with a chance to do something really great, and show a highly entertaining brand of attacking football.

Venue: Nelspruit Mbombela Stadium
Capacity: 43589 People

Referee: Eddy Maillet
Country:Seychelles
Date of Birth: 19.10.1967
Height: 184 cm
Occupation: Referee coordinator
Mother tongue: English
Other languages: Creole, English, French
International since: 2001
First international: Madagascar-Zambia (16.06.2001)
Fondest memory: First international match

Analysis: Chile have a formidable attacking prowess, Honduras is a team who’s strong and physical players have been popular with English clubs lately. Although Chile are very capable, they could face a tough challenge from physical Honduras. Importantly both teams have key attacking players with the last name of Suazo, Humberto for Chile and David for Honduras, and both are injured, although the Chilean could play off the bench.

Form: 
Chile have won 4 out of their last 5 games, and only conceded one goal in the process. The same goes for their last 18 months, they are really looking very very very good.
Honduras lost 4 of their warm up friendlies and drew one.... they are looking in very very very poor form.
Key Players: 

Matias Fernandez is a top attacking midfielder, who struggled adapting in Europe, but has led his nation to qualification for the World Cup effortlessly. His playing style is similar to Kaka’s but he is a bit more unpredictable in both the good and bad sense. He plays his club football with Sporting Lisbon.

Wilson Palacios is  everywhere on the pitch at once. He was an active part of Tottenham’s successful season, even a very active part. His work rate and ability to be as effective in defence and offense means he is highly coveted by coaches. Watch out for his long shot and tackling ability.

Danger Men:

Carlos Pavon might be 36, but this veteran is still  a clever, key player for his country. He dribbles, shoots strongly and unexpectedly and most importantly creates vital goals for his team. Is there enough speed left in his legs?

Alexis Sanchez is a brilliant winger, who is constantly improving at Serie A club Udinese. He is excellent off the ball, makes superb crosses, and shoots well from near and far. He will be a real threat for any opponent.

Playing style: Chile have evolved an entertaining 4-3-3 system, which is fluid to 4-5-1 and involved many players moving in the attack simultaneously, often switching positions. They have many ways to get to goal. This formation also allows 4 players to always cover the defence, and improving the defence was Bielsa’s biggest problem ahead of the World Cup, which he seems to really have managed.

Hondruas will field a very defensive 4-5-1 style, trying to hit the Chileans on the counterattack. They have some very physical players, and could prevent the Chileans from developing their game.

Chile Strenghts: Technique, Creativity, Agility and Speed
Honduras Strengths: Phyiscal Strength, Determination
Chile Weakness: Lapses of Concentration, Smallness
Honduras Weakness: Lack of 90 minute fitness


Most likely scenario:
Chile struggle at first before imposing themselves 3-0.

A slight surprise would be:
Only a 1-0 win for Chile.

A real shocker would mean:
A Honduras win.