Honduras
Team Profile: Honduras
GettyImagesHonduras' first final appearance came in 1982, where they faced Northern Ireland
Appearances at finals:
1982 - First round
The story so far: After only one appearance in the World Cup, Honduras, wrapped in political turmoil during the past few months, are dreaming of a brighter future. Their sole appearance came in 1982 and they put up a creditable showing. They drew with hosts Spain and Northern Ireland, but a defeat to Yugoslavia in the final game cost Honduras a place in the second group stage.
However, the country's World Cup history will always be associated with a conflict that broke out with El Salvador in 1969. Relations had been tense due to immigration between the two neighbouring nations before rioting broke out during and after a qualifying game for Mexico 70 in San Salvador. The Salvadoran Army launched an offensive in Honduras and fighting raged on until a ceasefire was called six days later. Despite the problems running far deeper than sport, this has been labelled the 'Football War'.Qualification: Honduras fought it out with Costa Rica to the last breath. Honduras had lost their second-to-last game against USA in the Honduran capital, and thus needed to defeat El Salvador in the final match and then hope that Costa Rica failed to earn three points on American soil. Costa Rica had looked poised for victory after Brian Ruiz scored two goals in the first half, but the Ticos crumbled in the second half, and the game played in Washington ended in a draw, which, coupled with a 1-0 win against El Salvador, allowed Honduras to return to the World Cup by virtue of their better goal difference. Qualifying record: GP10, W5, D1, L4, F17, A11, Pts16.Most appearances: Noel Valladares (18).
Top goalscorer: Carlos Pavon (7).
