France vs Honduras preview

France

While the media feast on tagging Group E as the “easiest” group in the competition, Didier Deschamps takes a different perspective on this matter.
 
Deschamps “controversial” decision to disregard Manchester City’s Samir Nasri and the veteran Eric Abidal in the French contingent that made it to Brazil, garnered a downpour of comments and criticism. But despite the mud-slinging spectacle that the squad’s head honcho received, Deschamp wittingly explained that the bottom line is to “build the best squad, not a mere list of France’s top 23 players.”
 
He stressed that his decision was based on Nasri’s lackluster performance for the national squad, which is not at par with how he plays in Manchester City. Moreover, Nasri’s vehement reluctance to be a substitute –in a competition which readily requires unity instead of a one-man show, further strengthened Deschamps judgment to cross out Nasri’s name in his list.
 
As for Abidal, who has been capped for 67 times for France, the decision was based on his irregular appearance in AS Monaco.
 
With the list that Deschamp submitted, the squad’s top brass is expected to exploit the creativity and unparalleled play making skills of 2013 Ballon d’ Or nominee, Franck Ribery. Karim Benzema who has been one of Real Madrid’s prolific scorers will most likely lead the squad’s attacking pack while Patrice Evra and Bacary Sagna are in charge of the squad’s defence.  Hugo Lloris, Blausie Matuidi, Yohan Cabaye and Paul Pogba, among others also made it to the 23-man squad.
 
Honduras

Honduras’ top brass, Luis Fernando Suarez is determined to prove that they are far from being Group E’s minnow. In Honduras’ 3rd entry into the World Cup, the Los Catrachos hope for a stronger finish and a longer stay in the competition.
 
Given this aspect at hand, Suarez decided to include 6 of British-based players into his provisional list.
 
The likes of Wilson Palacios, Roger Espinoza and Maynor Figueroa, Juan Carlos Garcia and Emilio Izaguirre are expected to add versatility to the whole team.
 
Despite the fact that Honduras trail France in terms of team depth and experience, this does not immediately translate to an early exit in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Its opponent must never forget that this so-called minnow stunned, USA, Costa Rica and the heavy favorite, Mexico during the qualifiers.