London, Aug 4: With three wins in the bag, the Brazilians are firm favourites to win the quarterfinal tie against Honduras, but the Central Americans knocked out gold contenders Spain in their Group match.

Olympic Specials

Fixtures

Brazil, who have never won an Olympic gold, are a step closer to achieving that feat after another favourite Spain bowed out of the games without a single win. Honduras take on the Samba Boys at St. James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne at the London Olympics 2012 men's football competition.

Honduras will eye another major upset at the Games after knocking out Spain while Brazil, who won silver in 1984 and 1988 and took bronze in 1996 and 2008, won all three games scoring nine goals and have dominated every game in their Group.

Coach Mano Menezes can rely on the depth of attacking options with Neymar, Hulk, Alexander Pato, Leandro Damiao but their defence needs to tighten up after a late scare from the Egyptians. The men in yellow thrashed New Zealand 3-0 which will only increase their confidence to go through to the last four.

No injury concerns for Menezes as goalkeeper Neto is set to return in goal while midfielder Ganso had suffered a left thigh injury but has come off the bench twice. Brazil rested several star players to start afresh for the quarterfinal clash.

Honduras may have made it to the quarterfinals for the first time but truly deserve their position after beating Spain. Honduras coach Luis Suarez's men have had nine shots in a total of which three have gone in and all of them have been scored by a single striker - Jerry Bengtson.

Thanks to their unbreakable defence, Honduras survived 24 shots by Spain after scoring in the seventh minute.

Honduras are planning to change tactics to a five-man midfield as Arnold Peralta could replace Anthony Lozano.

Brazil will no doubt dominate for the entire match but Honduras will aim to trouble their shaky defence with a quick break of pace.

The winner of this match will either face Great Britain or South Korea in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Manchester.

The match kick-starts at St. James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne at 09:30 PM IST on Saturday.

Probable Lineups:

Brazil: Neto-Rafael, Thiago Silva, Juan Jesus, Marcelo-Romulo, Sandro, Oscar-Neymar, Hulk, Pato

Honduras: Mendoza-Velasquez, Leveron, Crisanto, Figueroa-Garrido, Martinez, Meija, Najar, Peralta-Bengston

OneIndia News