France and Honduras open their 2014 World Cup accounts with what could be an enthralling Group E encounter in at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre.

After a dismal tournament last time out in 2010 which saw them crash out in the group stage, France will be hoping to get off to a strong start against a Honduras team who are competing in just their third World Cup.

Despite the absence of star winger Franck Ribery, as well as Clement Grenier missing out through injury, the European side will be confident of a win thanks to the strikeforce of Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud, balanced by the midfield prowess of Yohan Cabaye, Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba. Combining them with Hugo Lloris, Mamdou Sakho and Raphael Varane, there’s no reason why France won’t romp to victory as they look to start their tournament in dominant fashion.

However Honduras won’t roll over lightly as they attempt to make amends for a poor showing in the South African edition last time around. Much of their play will be going through Oscar Boniek Garcia, Roger Espinoza and Carlo Costly, but whether they have the ability to pick apart France remains to be seen. A draw is probably the best they can hope for, unless France play like they did in 2010 or 2002, in which case a scrappy goal might settle it for either team.

Whatever happens, it’s sure to be a superb, physical, match which neither team can afford to lose if they hope to progress. It’s interesting to note that since 1994, France have a pattern of having a great tournament (winners in 1998, finalists in 2006) followed by a poor one (failed to qualify in 1994, failed to win a match in 2002 and 2010).

The match kicks off at 3:00pm EST.

Probable starting XIs:

France (4-3-3): Hugo Lloris; Mathieu Debuchy, Raphael Varane, Mamadou Sakho, Patrice Evra; Yohan Cabaye, Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi; Olivier Giroud, Karim Benzema, Mathieu Valbuena.

Honduras (4-5-1): Noel Valladares; Maynor Figueroa, Emilio Izaguirre, Victor Bernárdez, Brayan Beckeles; Oscar Boniek García, Jorge Claros, Roger Espinoza, Luis Garrido, Andy Najar ; Carlo Costly.

Prediction: France 1-1 Honduras