World Cup 2014 Stream, Schedule, Preview: Honduras, Ecuador Square Off in Crucial Group E Match
Honduras and Ecuador, who both lost in their respective 2014 FIFA World Cup openers, will collide in a crucial match on Friday at the Arena Da Baixada in Curitiba.
Both teams need a win on Friday to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages alive after opening their respective campaigns with a disappointing loss.
Ecuador looked poised to start the tournament with a win after striker Enner Valencia scored in the 22nd minute of their match against Switzerland, but they surrendered two goals in the second half, including a goal from Haris Seferovic at stoppage time.
Honduras, on the other hand, was manhandled in their opener, absorbing a 3-0 loss to France.
Honduras needs to regroup quickly in order to have a chance against Ecuador, but they will have to do it without midfielder Wilson Palacios, who will serve his suspension after being sent off in their loss to the French side.
Without Palacios, Honduras coach Luis Fernando Suarez named Jorge Claros as starter for Friday's match while also hinting about more changes closer to kickoff time.
Honduras was criticized for their rugged style of play against France, but Suarez insisted that they are not planning to change their style for the entire tournament.
"We cannot give up or even think of changing our style and our way of playing because of certain criticisms made against us," Suarez said via Irish Times. "Our team has intensity and attitude. We have the desire not to lose a single ball."
Interestingly, both coaches will be facing and will be looking to eliminate their former teams.
Suarez coach Honduras during the 2006 World Cup, leading the team to the last 16 of the tournament, which was the country's best showing at a World Cup.
Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda was in charge during Honduras' campaign in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa wherein they failed to advance to the knockout stages.
Both coaches are familiar with most of the players of the opposing team, but Suarez insisted that it will have no bearing in their upcoming match.
"I must have had about four or five of their current squad when I was there so I do know something about them. But there is no real advantage in playing against another Latin American team," Suarez said via Yahoo Sports UK.
The Honduras-Ecuador match will start at 6 p.m. EST and will be shown live on ESPN. Fans can also watch this crucial showdown through online live stream on WatchESPN.
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