While the World Cup is undoubtedly a showpiece for such major teams as Spain, Germany, Brazil, Argentina and Italy, it is also allows a number of other soccer nations its chance to make a name and history for itself.

Honduras has yet to place its stamp on this tournament and has one of its best opportunities to do just that in 2014. Will Los Catrachos make history in Brazil?

World Cup History

Honduras has had nothing to celebrate yet on the world's biggest stage. The team has participated in only two tournaments to date including the 1982 edition in Spain and the most recent World Cup in South Africa. In 1982, the team tied Spain and Northern Ireland in its first two games but lost against Yugoslavia in the final game of the group round.

In the more recent tournament, Honduras was placed into a group that included Spain, Chile and Switzerland. The team was defeated 1-0 by Chile in the opener before being eliminated from contention in a 2-0 loss against Spain. In the final game, Chile tied Switzerland 0-0.

How they got here

Honduras started its qualification campaign in the CONCACAF's second group round. The team was seeded into a group that included Canada, Cuba and Panama. Honduras initially struggled with the group round and failed to pick up a win in either of its first two games. However, the team managed three wins in its last four, including an 8-1 destruction of Canada to clinch the top spot in the group.

In the hexagonal round, Honduras managed terrific results at home including a record of three wins and two draws. Away from home Honduras managed some solid results including a 2-1 win over Mexico; the team won one game, drew one and lost three on the round. At the end of the hexagonal round Honduras managed to finish third and automatically qualified for the World Cup.

Top Stars

Honduras is a strong attacking side that features a host of dangerous forwards including Jerry Bengston, Carlos Costly and midfielder Roger Espinoza. Bengston is the team's most notable star with 19 goals in 41 appearances; he scored nine goals throughout the qualifiers to lead Honduras. He scored a hat trick against Canada. Costly has 30 goals in 68 games and scored seven throughout the qualifying rounds. He also scored a hat trick against Canada and scored the game winner at the Azteca against Mexico. On defense, Maynor Figueroa is the team's most noted player.

Can they get out of the group?

Honduras' historical record against the teams in its group is not too shabby. The team has never faced France, but has managed a record of three wins, eight draws and three losses against Ecuador. The two sides recently met in an international friendly that ended up tied 2-2. None of the games between these two sides have been in competitions (they have only been international friendlies) and the last time Honduras topped Ecuador was back in 2007.

The team has faced Switzerland once and managed a draw; that match took place in the 2010 World Cup. However, against European competition, the team has compiled a record of four wins, nine draws and 10 losses; these statistics do not indicate much promise for Los Catrachos in this group.

Can they win it all?

The team is the weakest in its group and is looked upon as the one that every side is looking forward to playing. Honduras can make some noise and could come away with a draw or even two, but probably will not going to win the World Cup. The team should be focused on picking up a win before it can think about anything else. However, expect a fourth place finish for Los Catrachos in Group E.

How do you think Honduras will do in the 2014 World Cup?

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