Spain and Honduras aim to climb out of the basement

Spain will be looking to bounce back in a big way after their embarrassing 1-0 loss to Switzerland when they take on Honduras at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on June 21. Both teams enter the Group H game with no points as Honduras were beaten 1-0 by Chile in their first match.

The Spanish camp is in disarray after their loss even though they played well enough to win. However, their downfall was lack of finishing. Many fans are afraid the team could be a carbon copy of previous Spanish squads that have failed to produce at the World Cup.

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Spain will have to get at least a point in this game or they may be out of the tournament after just two matches. But look for the 2008 European champions to be going after a win, not a draw. Spain will be doing all they can to top the group as a second place finish will likely see them facing five-time World Cup winners Brazil in the next round.

Defender Gerard Pique said the team has to play up to their capabilities as there’s no room at all for failure. He added that a loss could be the end of the World Cup for them. Manager Vicente del Bosque hasn’t escaped criticism for the defeat to the Swiss as Spanish fans and media are questioning his tactics and team selection. Former manager Luis Aragones wondered aloud why defensive midfielders Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso were selected ahead of Cesc Fabregas against a defensive side like Switzerland.

Fabregas added fuel to the fire by stating to the Spanish press that he’d like to be playing more and Pique also would like to see his teammate back in the lineup. Pique echoed his sentiments and said he’d also like to see Fabregas on the pitch instead of on the bench as he brings a lot to the team offensively.

Striker Fernando Torres was also left on the bench and didn’t enter the game until the 61st minute against Switzerland, but he might be called upon to start against Honduras. Alonso said Torres is a natural scorer and his speed is hard to defend against. He added that he thinks Torres is fit enough to start.

It’s expected that Honduras will employ the same tactics Switzerland did to frustrate Spain, which means they’ll concentrate on defending and counterattacking. However, they also need the points as one might not be enough to help them advance. Defender Sergio Mendoza said the team is confident, but needs to create more scoring chances in their final two games if they wish to make it to the next round. He added that it will be hard to beat Spain, but it’s not impossible.

Honduras has been hit with injuries as striker David Suazo and midfielder Julio Cesar de Leon aren’t fit. De Leon will miss the whole tournament, but Suazo could make a comeback against Spain or in the final group game against Switzerland. If Chile and Switzerland draw in the other group H game, the loser of this match will be out of the World Cup. They have met only once before, back in the world cup in 1982 with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. However, Spain should take this one 2-0 to keep their Cup hopes alive. This result can gives you 4.75 at BWIN and Sportsbook.com (US Friendly) pays 3.75 (+275, 11/4)

Spain are solid favourites to win the game with BetFred listing them at 13/100 with a Honduras win posted at 19/1. The odds of a draw are 31/4.

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