Colombia's Luis Fernando Suarez has been named Honduras' new coach and will come under immediate pressure to ensure the small Central American country qualifies for its second straight World Cup.
Suarez, who guided Ecuador to the 2006 World Cup in Germany, replaces Mexican Juan de Dios Castillo, who resigned after leading Honduras to the Central American championship in January.
Castillo took over for Reinaldo Rueda of Colombia, who steered Honduras to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. It was only the country's second World Cup appearance after playing at Spain in 1982.
Suarez will make his debut on March 25 against South Korea in Seoul before Honduras meets China on March 29.
''It is a privilege to count on Suarez, who is a world-class coach,'' said Rafael Leonardo Callejas, president of the Honduran federation. ''We are very proud he is with us and we're hoping to go to another World Cup.''
Suarez will also be in charge for the Gold Cup - the regional CONCACAF championship - which will be played in the United States from June 5-25.
''With the players we have, Honduras can play good football,'' Suarez said.
