Bulls Abroad: Douglas Martinez plays full 90 in Honduras' 3-0 loss to France at U-20 World Cup

Honduras' opening game of the 2017 U-20 World Cup did nothing to alter the perception that Los Catrachos are playing for second in Group E, with France the clear favorite to win not just the group but also the tournament.

A confident 3-0 win was the sort of start to this competition that France wanted. Jean-Kevin Augustin opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a free kick. A deflection gave Amine Harit France's second in the 44th minute. Martin Terrier connected with a free kick to head home the third in the 80th minute.

Honduras will have expected something like this result, and will expect the other teams in the group - Vietnam and New Zealand - to suffer similar fates against France. Los Catrachos will focus on the positives: there were some good attacking moments, and the defensive mis-steps that led to at least two of the goals can be reviewed and hopefully addressed.

For his part, New York Red Bulls II forward Douglas Martinez was involved in several of Honduras' better opportunities, including a header he directed straight at France 'keeper Alban Lafont. If you were wondering how his technique and creativity stand up in the company of some of the better U-20 players in the world: Martinez does not look out of place at all.

The Red Bulls accelerated their plan for Martinez. It had been thought he might join NYRB II after this World Cup, but the club summoned him from Honduras ahead of the tournament. Ultimately, he was only able to play 15 minutes for the II team before having to join his U-20 squad for the World Cup in Korea - but if the exercise was in part to make the point to scouts that Martinez is a Red Bull, it was a smart move. He'll have some eyes on him after this game.

Next up for Honduras is New Zealand on May 25.