Rueda looks for desire

Tactically Rueda cannot see too many similarities between his team and Switzerland, and believes heart and desire must be balanced with a "smart and intelligent" approach against Vicente Del Bosque's men.

Like Spain, Honduras lost its opening match to Chile and for that reason Colombian coach Rueda insists it will not do any good to simply sit back and try to absorb waves of Spanish pressure.

He said: "We know we have to be smart and intelligent and it will depend on our ability to keep the ball.

"All matches are very different, we are not like the Swiss at all. But the vital factors in that game -determination, conviction, good order and the Swiss will to fight on - we should take into account to counteract Spain's enormous ability on the pitch. What we want to do is improve on our performance against Chile and counteract Spain's strengths."

Rueda sounded confident Italy-based forward David Suazo, nicknamed The Panther, could play a part against Spain.

"For David, things are on the road to recovery, his rehabilitation has been very positive indeed and he has been working intensively over the last few days."

Both the coach and defender Maynor Figueroa were confident the team would have no hangover from its 1-0 loss to Chile in Nelspruit.

Rueda said: "From my point of view the team has recovered, they are aware that every 72 hours you have to show your maturity, especially when the team is a great one."

Figueroa added: "In a short tournament like this you have no time to dwell on things, you have to pick yourselves up and I believe you will see a side very willing to take the three points."

Asked how Honduras will cope with Spain's glittering array of attacking talent, Wigan defender Figueroa said: "This is nothing new, we know these players are very active and that they play in the best leagues in the world. We hope to capitalise on the knowledge we have about their team."

Midfielder Hendry Thomas sustained a muscle injury on Friday but is expected to be available for selection against Spain.