World Cup Record: Group Stage, 1982
Manager: Reinaldo Rueda
Key Player: Carlos Pavon
Qualified: 3rd, CONCACAF
Odds: 350/1

An injury-time equaliser for the USA against Costa Rica in the final qualifying match sent Honduras through to their first World Cup since Spain ’82, and ‘Los Catrachos’ could end up being one of the most popular sides in South Africa. Despite winning their final game 1-0 against El Salvador, the players and staff were resigned to the play-offs until they saw their fans going wild in the stands on hearing news of the late goal in Washington. And so the celebrations began, with the President himself ordering a national holiday. With three of their squad starring in the Premier League (Wilson Palacios at Spurs and Hendry Thomas & Maynor Figueroa at Wigan) plus three more performing in Serie A – including Inter Milan striker David Suazo – they’re not exactly a bunch of complete unknowns. Palacios believes their blend of strength, speed, power and technique will win them plenty of admirers – and hopefully one or two matches – along the way this summer. A kind draw could well see them surprise a few and make it out of their group.

Carlos Pavon

Age: 36
Position: Striker
Club: Real Espana
Caps: 95 (56 goals)

Colombian coach Rueda credits the European-based players with adding a new found sense of maturity to his talented side, but it’s all-time top scorer Pavon who represents the main goal scoring threat. 56 goals in 95 matches is certainly not a record to be sniffed at, and his 7 in qualifying – including the crucial strike in the last game in El Salvador – mark the 36 year old out as one for defenders to be keeping a close eye on. Also look out for Pavon’s partner in crime, midfield schemer Amado Guevara. With 130 appearances, he’s the tournament’s most capped player.