Ange Postecoglou’s three-man defence will face its biggest test when the Socceroos take on Honduras in Intercontinental play-off’s first leg on November 10, with the game likely to be played in San Pedro Sula.

Quioto and Ellis both play for Houston Dynamo in the MLS and have been ever present during “Los Catrachos" World Cup qualifying campaign with the attacking duo scoring key goals against the USA and Mexico.

The duo both scored in their 3-2 victory over Mexico in Honduras' final qualifying game of their CONCAF group that helped secure a spot in the two-leg play-off and knocked out the USA.

Along with Quioto and Ellis, Paz also highlighted the threat of Lozano who plays for Barcelona B in the Spanish second division.

And the threats don't end there.

 “Rommel Quioto and Albert Ellies are quick, effective and young,” Paz said.

“The central striker Antony Lozano has a lot to offer and is the player that sacrifices everything at the end point.

 “Honduras also have experienced players like Maynor Figueroa who has played over 200 games in the English Premier League and Emilio Izaguirre who played at Celtic and  they are the base of the defence line.

 

“We also have talented players in midfield too. Alex Lopez is the man that pulls the strings in the midfield and Bryan Acosta who plays for Tenerife in the second division of Spain is a young player who is also another of the danger men in midfield.”

Socceroos Coach Ange Postecoglou and FFA have decided against basing the team in the USA leading up to the match and instead will spend the week in the Central American country to acclimatise.

The Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano is expected to be the setting for the opening play-off fixture and is located in the city of San Pedro Sula.

 Paz said Honduras will be throwing everything into the first leg.

“You have to win the first game and you can’t concede because the goal difference is important in these type of games," Paz said.

“We live this as a big passion and Australia can expect a big atmosphere, it’s going to be a big game and Honduras has to win the first game to go to Russia.”

 “It wasn’t easy for Honduras to reach this stage. A lot had to happen, Honduras had to beat Mexico a big team. With all due respect Mexico is a better team than Australia at this moment but it’s going to be difficult.

“Mostly because it’s an intercontinental trip and a lot will depend of the logistics Honduras will have to make a long trip and it’s not going to be a piece of cake.

"Australia is a real difficult team with a lot of experience in World Cups.”

But Paz is confident Honduras can get past the Socceros and once they are in Russia do better than their previous World Cup s experiences

“In Honduras we always say that this team has something called ‘La Garra Catracha’ which is the team’s and the Honduran people’s motto,” he said.

“That when they face big pressures and difficulties the team rises to the challenge.

“We all expect this team to have a brilliant two games in the intercontinental play-off and to qualify to its fourth World Cup. This is a great passion and the players are really committed to get to Russia 2018.

“We have a coach with World Cup experience he had a great World Cup with Costa Rica in Brazil and we have great expectation to not only qualify but for when he get to Russia 2018 and we believe he will lead the team to its best performance at a World Cup.

“Our last two performances didn’t go as expected so this team has a great chance to clear those bad memories from South Africa and Brazil. Honduran fans are expecting that.”

Expected Line up: Starting lineup: Donis Escober (goalie)
Emilio Izaguirre, Henry Figueroa, Maynor Figueroa (Johny Palacios will take his place, for yellow cards), Bryan Beckeles

Bryan Acosta, Alfredo Mejía and Alex López, Alberth Elis, Antony Lozano and Romell Quioto
Alberth Elis (Suspended for first leg), Antony Lozano and Romell Quioto,

Coach: Jorge Luis Pinto (Colombia)