Honduras in, Costa Rica out for 2010 World Cup

Honduras qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1982 and only the second time in history on Wednesday after a 1-0 victory at El Salvador and a heartbreaking draw for Costa Rica.

Carlos Pavon scored in the 63rd minute to give the Hondurans the triumph over their “Soccer War” rivals and join the United States and Mexico from North America for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

After civil unrest over a power struggle in Honduras, national team coach Reinaldo Rueda sees the World Cup qualification in unifying terms.

“It’s a contribution toward peace,” he said.

Victory alone was not enough and it appeared Costa Rica would cling to the last spot but Jonathan Bornstein’s header in the fifth minute of stoppage time gave 10-man United States a 2-2 draw with the Ticos at Washington to deny them.

On a cold and rainy night where Bryan Ruiz scored in the 21st and 24th minutes to give Costa Rica a 2-0 lead, the Americans fought back to finish North American qualifying with three wins and two draws when foes score first.

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