Source: Team_Talk
Figueroa predicts more pain for Spain
Defender Maynor Figueroa is convinced Honduras can inflict more World Cup misery on Spain.[LNB] The central American side tackle the European champions at Johannesburg's Ellis Park next Monday in a Group H match neither can afford to lose.[LNB]Honduras were outplayed as they went down 1-0 to Chile in Nelspruit on Wednesday but the group was blown wide open when Switzerland later beat Spain.[LNB]Figueroa feels tackling the Spanish is now just the challenge his team-mates need and optimism still abounds.[LNB]The 27-year-old Wigan star said: "This is the beginning, against big rivals, Honduras always grow.[LNB]"The morale of the team is good, I think it is nothing more than the beginning, knowing that against Spain it will be a completely different game.[LNB]"We have to continue working, believing in ourselves - defeats are what give the most strength to the player."[LNB]Honduras' preparations for their opener were hampered by injuries to key players.[LNB]Midfielder Wilson Palacios proved his fitness to play but key striker David Suazo failed to feature and playmaker Julio Cesar de Leon was forced to withdraw from the tournament.[LNB]Figueroa added: "It's obvious we have been affected by injuries to team-mates.[LNB]"During training you do specific work counting on players who from one day to the next are out.[LNB]"When you lose there are always doubts but we have to be brave and go out there with our heads held high, knowing that in football there are three results.[LNB]"We got the least desired one against Chile but I am completely grateful to God for allowing me to play this game.[LNB]"There are no words to describe what you feel when you are in the match. I hope to continue having the opportunity to play more games."[LNB]
