Honduran fans around the world are just as excited about the Olympic Honduras U23 team as they were when the Honduras National Selection qualified for the World Cup. Fans have been planning get togethers and requesting their frequented bars and restaurants open early so they can gather up as crowds and cheer on the team during the Olympic Honduras vs Japan (Japón) game. Those Honduras fans across the world in different time zones have been visiting web sites like ours here on Honduras.com, and social media sites, posting comments and support for the Catracho team.

It goes without saying that this is one of the most important games the Honduras U23 has had in history, as they have a chance to advance to the Olympic quarterfinals by obtaining at least a tie. The Honduras Olympic team is already considered “heroes” after defeating the world class Spain team. They will most likely get a ticker tape parade if they manage to beat Japan.

The Honduras vs Japan match has prompted companies to give employees time off to watch the game, as well as many non essential time critical workers have been allowed to show up late for work! What a concept, I guess Hondurans have their priorities straight, and at the top of that list is SOCCER.

As for the team, here are a few comments from the Honduras coach as well as players.

“Things went our way tonight, vs Spain they could have come back to tie or win the game,” Coach Luis Suarez said. “We have to remain calm as we look to qualify, because the game vs Japan will be very hard.”

The coaching staff will have to manage the roster carefully as Arnold Peralta and Roger Espinoza both got their second yellow cards of the tournament Sunday.

Honduras goalie Jose Mendoza played spectacularly with many saves vs Spain, and is looking forward to facing the Japanese.

“Japan has been impressive so far,” Mendoza told FIFA’s official website. “They’re very well organized. It’s going to be a difficult match, but we’ll go looking for a win to ensure our qualification.”

Expectations are high for an exciting and high scoring game as FIFA notes that the national soccer teams of Honduras and Japan have met twice before. Japan won 5-4 in 2005 and the teams tied 3-3 in 2002.

The Honduras U23 soccer team has confidence going into the game; “We have a competitive team, we’re not scared of anyone,” defender Wilmer Cristanto said. “We can compete with the best teams and we’re not here to make up the numbers.”

“All of the players put in a really good performance,” said Jerry Bengtson. “It’s really important for us to show that we’re a strong team. It’s given us a lot of confidence but we’re going to have to work a lot harder vs Japan. The crowd at the game in St. James’ Park chanted for us. “It’s very nice that we heard the crowd supporting us and shouting ‘Honduras, Honduras’,” Bengston said. “We want to thank them and dedicate this win to them.”

Catrachos stand up and be heard  all the way to London.

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First Round Group D Honduras vs Japan

Japan Matches played

Honduras Matches played

JPN – Japan

• Assistant Coach
• SASAKI Norio (JPN)
• Assistant Coach
• MOCHIZUKI Satoru (JPN)
• Assistant Coach
• MAEDA Nobuhiro (JPN)
• COACH
• SEKIZUKA Takashi (JPN)
• Assistant Coach
• OGURA Tsutomu (JPN)
• Assistant Coach
• SATOUCHI Takeshi (JPN)
• Assistant Coach
• FUJIWARA Hisanori (JPN)

HON – Honduras

• COACH
• SUAREZ Luis (HON)
• Assistant Coach
• BAIDE ORDONEZ Fausto (HON)
• Assistant Coach
• GONZALEZ ZEPEDA Jose Leonardo (HON)
• Assistant Coach
• TORRES TRUJILLO Humberto (HON)
• Assistant Coach
• RODAS Gerson (HON)