Hondurans boost World Cup hopes by beating Canada 3-1

Honduras took a major step toward advancement in 2010 World Cup qualifying with a 3-1 victory over Canada here Saturday while Mexico suffered an upset loss at Jamaica.

Honduras improved to 3-1, matching Mexico atop Group B in North American qualifying for next year’s six-team round-robin final qualifier that will determine three teams that will advance to the global showdown in South Africa.

Walter Martinez gave Honduras the lead in the seventh minute but Andres Hailnault equalized for Canada in the 52nd minute.

Carlo Costly put Honduras ahead to stay in the 60th minute and Hendrik Thomas added an insurance goal in stoppage time to seal the triumph.

Jamaica, which upset viciting Mexico 1-0, stands on four points and could still deny one of the leaders a place in the final six. But winless Canada was eliminated from contention with the loss.

Honduras will play at Jamaica on Wednesday, the same day Mexico will visit Canada.