Portuguese striker Goncalo Paciencia. (Photo : Getty Images)
Surprise team Honduras is set to face their first real test in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics men's football competitions as they clash with powerhouse squad Portugal in the opening game of Group D's second matchday this Sunday, August 7 at the Estádio Olímpico João Havelange in Rio de Janeiro.
Honduras is coming off a close 3-2 win over CAF U-23 Championship runners-up Algeria in the same venue last Thursday to earn their first win in the tournament, as per NBC Olympics.
It was a valuable three points for head coach Jorge Luis Pinto's side as the Hondurans are not expected to get past the group stage in pre-Olympics predictions from football pundits. They were definitely out to prove that the odds are wrong after winning their opening game.
The opening minutes against Algeria had been physical with both squads wanting to take momentum and intimidate the other one.
Two first half goals form La Bicolor Olimpica, courtesy of striker Romell Quioto and Marcelo Pereira at the 13th and 33rd minutes respectively, established Honduras' authority in the contest as it gave them a two-point advantage at the halftime break.
The Africans will not be easily denied, though, as they were able to trim the gap at the 68th with a goal from midfielder Sofiane Bendebka.
Striker Anthony Lozano made it 3-1 for Honduras at the 79th before Algeria's Baghdad Bounedjah scored another one for his squad for the final count.
Meanwhile, Portugal emerged victorious in their battle with fan-favorites Argentina, 2-0, also last Thursday in Rio, Daily Mail Online reported.
Goals from 22-year-old FC Porto striker Goncalo Paciencia and Tondela forward Pite at the 66th and 84th minutes ensured the win for head coach Rui Jorge's star-studded squad and left their South American rivals to an awful start in the tourney.
The two teams fought to a goalless draw in the first half as they felt each other out before making their patented attacks after the restart.
Portugal is expected to stomp their mark against Honduras in this match, though, as they go for their second straight win en route to a place in the quarterfinals.
The predicted result is a 3-0 rout for Portugal.
Honduras starting lineup (5-4-1 formation): Lopez; Alvarez, Pereira, Palacios, Vargas, Garcia; Elis, Banegas, Acosta, Quioto; Lozano
Portugal starting lineup (4-1-3-2 formation): Varela; Fonseca, Ie, Figueiredo, Esgaio; Tomas; Martins, Fernandes, Oliveira; Agra, Paciencia
