Honduras face Ecuador this morning in a do or die match for both sides. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 8:00am (AEST).
Honduras are desperate for a good performance after their unimpressive display against France, while Ecuador are looking to secure some points after losing in the dying seconds against Switzerland, following a performance that was worthy of a result.
Against France, Honduras managed just two shots on goal for the full 90 minutes, and conceded 66 per cent possession. It didn’t help having Palacios sent off in the 43rd minute, but nevertheless the performance was not worthy of a win for the majority of the first half.
Stepping in for Palacios will most likely be Garcia, though Palacios’ experience with Stoke City will be missed in the middle of the park.
Carlo Costly will be the front man who has a good chance of getting in behind the Ecuadorian defence. Ecuador haven’t had the most solid back-line leading into the World Cup, and despite a decent performance against Switzerland, they still leaked two goals to lose the match 2-1.
However, Ecuador do have a few things going for them, such as the pace of their wingers Montero and Valencia, as well as the pace of E. Valencia up front, and the dominance of Noboa in the midfield.
They will be hard to stop on the counter, and with both sides conceding large amounts of possession in their first match, it will be interesting to see who takes control.
Join The Roar at 8:00am for all of the action in what could turn out to be a thrilling Group E encounter.
The loser goes home and the winner has a chance to progress, so the stakes are at their highest for both squads.
Prediction: 3-1 Ecuador
Batou
Guest
Yeah, he did well. It wasn't a really easy game either. Actually I was worried that there was an imposter out there when I first realised it was Ben Williams!
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I heard the whistle blowing well before they even managed to get down to the box (a couple of times if memory serves). May have been the players didn't hear it over the crowd and in the excitement.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
i saw all but the last 20min and I thought Ben got most thinks right including the 'handball' goal that he disallowed in the first half. Now to transfer that good form to the HAL :)
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Just curious but how did Ben Williams go in the middle. I was getting much needed zzzzz's while the match was on. I failed again :D Brutal world cup for game time starts.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Pretty marginal call by the ref if you ask me. No drama.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
And thats the final whistle. Ecuador and Switzerland will most likely battle it out for a place in the next round. Great match for Ecuador, and Honduras unfortunate not to create more chances. That final goal for Ecuador was ruled no goal due to a studs showing tackle. No foul, but with studs the ref must pull up play. Honduras 1-2 Ecuador Full TIme
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Final minute Honduras attacking, but a lofted pass forward goes out behind for Ecuador possession. That's probably the last kick of the game for Honduras. Honduras 1-2 Ecuador 90+3'
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Another handball?
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Why was that goal disallowed.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
no goal?? not sure why
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Honduras finally work the ball out of their corner. A. Valencia links up with E Valencia for a stunning goal, but Williams calls it back for an unknown reason. No offside call. It seems to be a foul with Studs perhaps. Honduras 1-2 Ecuador 90+2'
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Goal!!!!!!
James Anderson
Roar Guru
4 minutes of stoppage time. Montero off for defender Achilier. Ecuador now with corner. Honduras 1-2 Ecuador 90+1'
Mister Football
Roar Guru
4 min added time
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Ecuador freekick from the left wing. Similar position from where the goal originated. Can Valencia add a third to a brilliant night. Honduras 1-2 Ecuador 90+1'
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Ecuador then attack, but now back with Honduras. A couple of useless long balls has brought an anti climatic few minutes. Honduras 1-2 Ecuador 89'
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Plenty of white shirts forward, last 10 min appear to have been played entirely in the Ecuador half I'd say the possession count for those 10 min is heavily in Honduras' favour but Ecuador have the ball now and mounting a patient attack, breaks down
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Ecuador cannot keep the ball at the moment. Good for us as the audience - keeping the game interesting. It will come down to the wire. Plenty of men in the box for Honduras, but they can't threaten from good possession. Honduras 1-2 Ecuador 88'
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Bengston gets the better of Guagua on the wing, and plays a low cross into the box, but Costly is lagging too far behind to reach the ball. Good chance Honduras. Honduras 1-2 Ecuador 86'
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Honduras putting a bit of pressure on Donminguez in this period first a good cross, then a long range shot from Figueroa, just over