Canada falls flat as Mexico advances
KANSAS CITY, KAN.— Marco Fabian had a goal and an assist to lead Mexico to a 3-1 victory over Canada on Saturday night in the semifinals of CONCACAF’S Olympic qualifying tournament.
Mexico secured its 10th Olympic berth and will meet Honduras in the championship game on Monday.
Mexico did not make it into the 2008 Games.
Canada had to play the last13 minutes shorthanded after defender Doneil Henry was sent off for his second yellow card. American-born Miguel Angel Ponce also scored for Mexico, which took the lead for good in a quick first-half exchange of goals.
Canada’s Marcus Haber tied it with a header in the 32nd minute, but a minute later Alan Pulido finished off a give-and-go from Fabian to make it 2-1.
HONDURAS 3, EL SALVADOR 2: Second-half substitute Gerson Rodas scored twice in a goal-filled overtime, giving Honduras a 3-2 victory over El Salvador in the other CONCACAF Olympic qualifying semi. Honduras earns its second straight Olympic berth and third since 2000.
El Salvador, the surprise Group A winner, has not qualified since1968.
“There were a lot of doubters in our country,” Honduras coach Luis Fernando Suarez said.
“Our own fans were nervous and didn’t really trust that we could accomplish the goal. This is something to be very proud of.”