Mexico wins in ErikssonÂ’s first match as coach

Mexico won Sven-Goran ErikssonÂ’s debut as coach, rallying to beat Honduras 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier Wednesday night as Pavel Pardo scored twice in the second half.

Eriksson, a former manager of EnglandÂ’s national team and Manchester City, was hired in June to replace Hugo Sanchez after MexicoÂ’s under-23 team failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

Julio Cesar Leon put Honduras ahead in the 35th minute on a free kick that hit the crossbar and bounced into the goal.

Pardo tied it with a shot from outside the penalty area in the 73rd minute, then beat goalkeeper Noel Valladares with a free kick in the 76th.

Maynor Figueroa of Honduras was ejected in the 77th minute after receiving his second yellow card.

In the groupÂ’s other match, Jamaica gained a 1-1 tie at Canada. The top two teams in each of the three groups in the North and Central American and Caribbean region.