Honduras
Manager: Reinaldo Rueda
Best: Round one (1982)
One of the surprise packages of World Cup 2006 was Ecuador, taking a team of comparative unknowns into the second round playing stylish attacking football. Honduras hopes to have a similar impact in what will be just its second appearance in the tournament — the previous one being 1982, where they managed to achieve honorable ties against host nation Spain and Northern Ireland. And while coach Reinaldo Rueda will rue the, if you will, eponymous injury to striker Carlos Costly that keeps him out of the tournament, he still has the spine of a great team. Watch for Tottenham Hotspur midfield anchor Wilson Palacios, supported by Wigan's pair of Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa, as well as Genoa striker David Suazo and Carlos Pavon, who plays at home for Real España, to provide the goal threat.
Player to watch: Wilson Palacios. The Spurs schemer has a rare ability to run a game from midfield.