The France (Francia) vs Honduras Group D match will take place this Sunday, June 15, 2014 (12:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Jose Borba in Porto Alegre. Having lost Franck Ribery in the build-up to the tournament, France now begin their campaign against a physical Honduras side.
The blow of losing a player as well-regarded as Ribery will have sent shockwaves through the squad, but similar to England, expectations are not high for the French.
Since reaching the final in 2006, the French international side have been knocked out twice in the group stages, winning just one out of six games, they caused a storm with the Henry handball goal to send Ireland out in a playoff, and they also staged a Patrice Evra-led mutiny four years ago, causing many members of the French media to completely disown them. Now, with a new generation, it is time to get back to winning ways.
France Team News
Olivier Giroud, Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena wil lead a three-pronged attack for the French, with coach Didier Deschamps also having Varane and Loic Remy waiting in the wings. Paul Pogba is the undoubted star of the show, the young Juventus star will be looking to announce himself on the world stage having made such an impression since moving away from Old Trafford.
Honduras Team News
Luis Suarez, coach of Honduras, will have his entire squad to choose from going into the opener, and on the back of a good result against England in the run-up to the World Cup, confidence should be high.
Martin Chavez is seen as the obvious choice for the right side, the only position which really has any serious competition, while Oscar Garcia and Andy Najar may have to be content with a place on the bench.
France vs Honduras Prediction
This represents the first meeting between the two sides, and it is likely to be a feisty encounter. Honduras will not be able to compete on the same level as the French in terms of ability, but they will be able to physically, so this is where their emphasis will be placed.
However, football is all about beauty over brawn, and if the French can get their rhythm in the early stages, you’d expect them to coast to victory here. France 2 – 0 Honduras.
France vs Honduras Television
The France (Francia) vs Honduras match will be televised on Sunday, at 12:00 PM Pacific, on ABC, Univision Deportes, and ESPN 3 (stream).
