Spain vs Honduras - Preview

Spain
v
Honduras


Group H, 18:30 GMT, June 21, 2010
Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

Having been upset 1-0 by Switzerland in their opener, favourites Spain face a must-win game against the minnows of Honduras, knowing that another shock defeat effectively ends their hopes of progressing.

Team Stat Comparison

	Spain	Honduras
Matches Played	1	1
Table Position	4	3
Points	0	0
Goal Difference	-1	-1
Goals for *	0.0	0.0
Goals against *	1.0	0.0
Last 5	L	L
Last 5 home	L	L
Last 5 away
*  Goals per match - home matches for home club and away matches for away club
Stats: Spain | Honduras

Competition Stats

	Spain	Honduras
Goals
Assists
Yellows		Wilson Palacios 1
Squads: Spain | Honduras

Group Table

RK	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GS	GA	GD	Pts
1	Chile	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	3
2	Switzerland	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	3
3	Honduras	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1	0
4	Spain	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1	0

Top two teams qualify for the Second Round

Spain player to watch: David Silva: He did not have an impact on the side against Switzerland and was replaced by Jesus Navas, but his quality is unquestioned and he should have the confidence to bounce back against Honduras. A tricky winger with pace and skill on the ball, he should command respect on the right side of midfield.

Honduras player to watch: Noel Valladares. If Honduras are to hold off the Spanish attacks, then their last line of defence, the goalkeeper, will have to be at his best. Pulling off the save of the tournament so far against Chile, his reflexes and agility will be tested to the limit and if he can deny the likes of David Villa and Fernando Torres, then he will have earned his crust.

Key Battle: Xavi v Wilson Palacios: The best playmaker in world football was kept quiet against the Swiss, but has the skill and experience to make an impact on any game, at any time. His passing range is unmatched and Palacios will have to marshal him carefully if Honduras are to avoid conceding a goal. Xavi's awareness of what is going on around him gives him the vision to pick out a killer pass, but Palacios will match him for stamina and has the power and strength to assert his will on any opponent.

Trivia: Honduras are the only Central American football team to eliminate Brazil in a tournament (Copa America 2001 in the quarter-finals), so they are used to causing upsets.

Stats: Spain's defeat against Switzerland was the first time that they have lost with Andres Iniesta in the starting line-up.

Odds: Spain (1.12), Honduras (23.00), the draw (9.00) are all on offer atBet365, but Fernando Torres to score three or more comes in at 23.00.

Prediction: Surely it can't happen again? Spain have the power to overcome their opponents and it could be a high scoring game.


Spain 3-0..