The pugnacious Hondurans will be looking to capitalize on the absence of injured French playmaker Franck Ribery as they try to punch above their weight and bring France down a few notches. French coach Didier Deschamps gave a sober cautionary note ahead of the match, telling reporters about the Hondurans: “They are aggressive and know how to defend…”
France, meanwhile, is looking to re-invigorate its World Cup image after its tumultuous showing in South Africa in 2010, when players, including star striker Nicolas Anelka, revolted against French manager Raymond Domenech. Anelka was kicked off the team and Les Bleus ultimately left that tournament with their tails between their legs.
Group E’s other two contenders begin their opening gambits at 3 p.m. USEDT (7 p.m. GMT) today in Porto Alegre.
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