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December 12, 2009 9:11 AM Bookmark and Share

Taking Honduras lightly might be a costly mistake

They are the only World Cup finalists who display a letter as well as numbers on their jerseys. The letter, of course, is "H", presumably a reference to the country the players represent rather than a description of the esteem in which they are held.

 

Honduras is back at FIFA's global party after an absence of nearly 30 years. A soccer-loving public, living in a land mired in political uncertainty, sees its players as heroes and perhaps a much-needed escape from reality.

 

Jamaica, Trinidad set example

 

What has been achieved, under the circumstances, is truly remarkable. Not as noteworthy as the Jamaican 'Reggae Boyz' of 1998 or Trinidad and Tobago's 'Soca Warriors' four years ago but, without question, a reason to be cheerful in Central America.

 

For a nation with such a long soccer history it is mildly surprising Honduras has graced the World Cup only once before. In 1982 Los Catrachos journeyed to Spain where they held the hosts and Northern Ireland before losing by a single late penalty to Yugoslavia.

 

It is no accident Honduras has rejoined the world's elite. A combination of an experienced head coach and the emergence of a new generation of quality players has elevated the team into the world's top 40 and provided stern tests for regional heavyweights from the United States and Mexico.

 

A Colombian has successfully plotted the Honduran revival. Reinaldo Rueda, the man who guided Colombia's youngsters to victory at the prestigious Toulon Tournament a decade ago, and a bronze medal at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, was rapidly promoted to take charge of the senior team after a disastrous start to qualifying for Germany 2006.

 

Not even Rueda's talent could undo the previous damage as Colombia concluded the qualifying campaign a point short of its target. Honduras had fared even worse - failing to reach CONCACAF's final qualifying 'hex' for the first time in its history. Rueda's arrival changed all that.

 

Rueda makes a difference

 

His disciplinarian approach certainly didn't suit all but it produced results. He's managed to get the best out of a relatively small but talented pool of players. Wilson Palacios, Maynor Figueroa, Henry Thomas and David Suazo are regular contributors in the English Premier League and Italy's Serie A.

 

Carlos Pavon and Carlos Costly combined for 13 goals in World Cup qualifying while Amado Guevara is well known to fans of MLS in general and Toronto FC in particular. El Lobo's veteran leadership and ability from dead ball situations will be invaluable next summer.

 

If history repeats itself in South Africa, Costly, in particular, will be well pleased. His father, Anthony, was part of the 1982 team that drew 1-1 with Spain in Valencia. The meeting this time will take place on neutral territory but the Hondurans must find a way to deal with the European champions.

 

Outsiders in Group H

 

Rueda's roster will be considered the outsiders of the Group H quartet that also features Chile and Switzerland. The South Americans were impressive runners-up to Brazil in qualifying while the Swiss topped a modest European group ahead of Greece to book their berth.

 

Soccer has a way of uniting a nation like few other events. For many Hondurans qualification for the FIFA World Cup is, in itself, cause for celebration. As the country's politicians attempt to forge harmony, maybe they should look to their footballers for a lesson in teamwork and commitment.

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