TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) — Looking for their first win in their third World Cup, Honduras coach Luis Fernando Suarez is ready to spring a surprise in Brazil.

The small Central American nation has reached consecutive World Cups for the first time in their history, and Suarez is aiming to make an impact in the team’s opening Group E game against France.

“Honduras can beat France in the World Cup,” the Colombian said. “But we have to work hard to arrive at the game in form.”

Not much is expected of Honduras, although the team qualified above regional CONCACAF power Mexico and will be hoping to cause an upset with their direct play, strength and organisation.

Suarez has been upbeat in general about his team’s chances, and rightfully so. In September, Honduras became only the second team to defeat Mexico at Estadio Azteca during World Cup qualifying.

The team also beat the United States and Costa Rica in qualifying. In the Olympic quarter-finals in 2012, Honduras came close to shocking Brazil when they were leading in the second half, but fell to a 3-2 loss.

Suarez does have experience in World Cups, having led Ecuador to the round of 16 in 2006, where the South American team was unlucky to go out against England.

His Honduras team is strong, athletic and difficult to break down, playing a 4-4-2 formation that seeks to cause problems for the opposition on the counterattack, and from set pieces.

Players like midfielder Wilson Palacios and defender Maynor Figueroa boast English Premier League experience, while Celtic left back Emilio Izaguirre is also a key element.

Up front, New England Revolution forward Jerry Bengston and Carlo Costly — who is now playing in Honduras — lead the line and should pose some awkwardness for the opposition in Group E.

Honduras play France in Porto Alegre on June 15, Ecuador on June 20 in Curitiba and then head to Manaus in northern Brazil on June 25, where the humid conditions should suit them against Switzerland.