“We will play according to the possibilities we have as a team.” This was stated by national coach Henk Fraser of the Suriname men’s national football team ahead of the Concacaf Nations League match against Honduras. The match will be played on Friday at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Fraser first addressed the composition of the squad during his preview. He indicated that he is satisfied with the players who are available. Several internationals have withdrawn for various reasons, but according to the national coach, there is little point in dwelling on that for too long.
“Suriname has been working for some time on the path it is now on, and we will continue with the available players,” Fraser said.
The national coach stressed that Suriname does not need to regard itself as the underdog against Honduras. In the past, Suriname was often considered the weaker team against countries such as Panama, Guatemala and El Salvador, but according to Fraser, it is no longer a given for these countries to beat Suriname.
According to him, Honduras has a physically strong team, with plenty of speed and power up front. At the same time, Fraser sees similar qualities within his own squad. “Our weapon is the footballing ability we have.”
Fraser realises that Honduras will be a difficult opponent in its own stadium, but Suriname wants to try to take control of the match as much as possible. “We will attack with conviction, but also defend with conviction. We will have to dare to bring out the best in ourselves.”
According to the national coach, cohesion within the squad is also good. “We are united, and that is a good basis for performing well.”
Fraser remains optimistic, but at the same time stresses that his team must remain realistic. According to him, Honduras is physically strong, has fast players and is dangerous in transition. Suriname will therefore have to apply pressure quickly to prevent the opponent from easily settling into its game.
Fraser did not yet want to reveal anything about the formation with which Suriname will start the match. According to him, modern football is also about more than just systems and formations.
“Football has now become much more than systems and formations. We will have to look for the spaces and make good use of them,” the national coach said.
