PREVIEW: France vs Honduras

France entered the tournament with hopes of being a slight favorite to win the World Cup, but injury to their star player, Franck Ribery, has stripped the team of their chances. Although the team has started to come around cohesively, there are doubts as to whether this team can actually go all the way. Yet, there’s no reason to doubt that they can make it out of their group in first place. They are still a strong team with a burgeoning midfielder in Paul Pogba and clinical striker Karim Benzema.

Standing against them in the opening match will be Honduras, a team whose crop of talent pales in comparison to the French, but boast enough energy and tolerance to the humid climate to give the Les Bleus a scrappy fight. Just because this team is from the CONCACAF region doesn’t mean they should be looked down upon. They’re more than capable of exposing France’s defense and notching an upset.

Jun 1, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Honduras midfielder Jorge Claros (20) kicks the ball as Israel midfielder Yossi Shai Benayoun (15) defends during the second half of a soccer friendly match at BBVA Compass Stadium. Israel defeated Honduras 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

So far in this World Cup, only two matches have featured a side that scored less than three goals in a win. It’s tempting to say the scoreline for this game will be a lopsided victory for France, but expect the results of this match to go on the ugly side. Will France play with the panache and efficiency that has been intertwined with their identity or will Honduras force this into a gritty affair? Is an upset in the mix? Lets look into the lineups.

"Projected Starting XIFrance: Lloris, Evra, Sakho, Verane, Debuchy, Matuidi, Cabaye, Pogba, Valbuena, Griezmann, BenzemaHonduras: Valladares, Izaguirre, Figueroa, Bernardez, Beckeles, Garrido, Najar, Espinoza, W. Palacios, Oscar Garcia, Costly"

Keys for France

– Establish tempo from the wings. Before Paul Pogba can work his magic, Griezmann and Valbuena must provide excellent runs from the wing to spread out Honduras’ defense. Honduras lacks quality fullbacks and should be easily disposed by the French.

– Defense cannot sleep. Given the youth of Sakho and Verane, the two center backs must remain focused and be weary of the counter-attack that Honduras can create. Costly is a sneaky striker and shouldn’t be overlooked.

– Two goals in the first half is enough to break this team’s spirit and open the floodgates of goals.

Keys for Honduras

– Don’t waste any counter-attacking opportunities. Espinoza and Najar must make the most of their chances when they find open space. Costly must prove his veteran savvy and convert his few chances at goal.

– Rotate on the defensive end. France’s wingers will surely expose Honduras in the flanks. The defenders and midfielders must be prepared to rotate and cover each other’s positions when that happens. Any error will result in a goal.

– Park the bus after they get the first goal.

Key Battles

Najar vs Debuchy: Najar is Honduras’ key distributer from the midfield. Whether he attacks from the wing or move to the middle, he must be smart when facing Debuchy. If he can beat Debuchy, he will give his team much needed space in the box.

Costly vs Verane + Sakho: Honduras’ leading goal-getter Carlos Costly will have to use his wit and cunning to outplay the young duo of Sakho and Verane. It’s a battle between an old fighter and two fresh walls.

Benzema vs 10 Honduras Defenders: Lets be honest, Honduras will play 10 behind the ball and tire the hell out of the French players including Benzema. If Benzema gasses out, then Honduras will go for the kill. Benzema has to live up to his class and find open space in that Honduras’ cave to get that much-needed goal.

"Staff Match PredictionsYoung: It will be 3-0 France. It’s a matter of 50 minutes into the match when France will expose Honduras’ mistake and score the opening goal. From there the floodgates will open as Honduras loses confidence and the French send a barrage of shots at goal. Three has been the magic number for victory so far, so why not go there.Charles Kim: “This is really tough choice. Without Ribery, France will be in trouble… Personally I feel like Nasri (despite being a lockerroom cancer) should have been included in the roster because of his ability to score impressive goals. But I feel like France will still win against Honduras because they are still an experienced team. France has Benzema who will carry the offensive load so I will say the score will be 2-0.”"