Olympics: Medal favourite Spain eliminated from football by underdogs Honduras

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http://www.straitstimes.com/London/2012/Story/STIStory_827604.html

Medal favourite Spain was eliminated from men's Olympic football Sunday in another 1-0 upset loss after Honduras forward Jerry Bengtson scored an early goal.

Three players combined for Bengtson's third of the tournament during a break down the left in the seventh minute. Andy Najar passed to fellow midfielder Roger Espinoza, who fired in a cross as Bengtson cut inside. The striker jumped over a defender to power in a header past Spain goalkeeper David de Gea.



Spain had hoped to hold three major titles at once after winning the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship.

But the country will go home without a chance to compete for a medal after it plays its last match against Morocco on Wednesday in Manchester. And if it doesn't score, it will also return without a goal, after losing 1-0 to Japan on Thursday.

For Honduras, the victory puts the small Central American country into second place in Group D with four points, two behind leader Japan. Few thought Honduras would make much of an impact at the tournament, but the country is starting to look like a dark horse.

Honduras wouldn't let Spain dictate the play without a fight and nearly scored a second in the 51st when Espinoza's header hit the post from a cross by Martinez. It was a true battle and fans continued to chant the small country's name.

After the final whistle, Honduran players carried the blue and white Honduras flag and ran over to celebrate with fans.