World Cup - Hernandez brace in vain for Mexico

CONCACAF round-up: Honduras scored twice in three minutes to snatch a 2-2 draw at home to Mexico after the visitors had taken charge of their World Cup qualifier through a pair of superb goals from Javier Hernandez.

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  Eurosport - Mexico' s Javier Hernandez (R) celebrates after scoring against Honduras in World Cup qualifying (AFP)

The result elevated Honduras to the top of the CONCACAF standings with four points from two games and left Mexico with just two points ahead of Tuesday's clash with the United States in Mexico City.

Hernandez put 'El Tri' ahead with a superbly angled glancing header in the 28th minute after Andres Guardado burst past two defenders and delivered a pinpoint cross.
The Manchester United striker struck again nine minutes into the second half with a darting run at the near post, poking in a free-kick by Carlos Salcido.
It was the 24-year-old's 30th goal in 45 appearances for the Mexican national team and looked as though it would be enough for a victory.
But Carlo Costly, who always seems to deliver his best in a Honduras shirt, gave the home side new life in the 77th minute with a powerful header to score from a Mario Martinez corner.
Three minutes later, Costly was ruled to have been brought down by defender Francisco Rodriguez and Jamaican referee Courtney Campbell pointed to the spot.
Jerry Bengtson's poor penalty was saved by Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa but the Honduras striker pounced to slot home the loose ball and level the scores at 2-2.
In a heavy snow storm at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the United States battled to a 1-0 win over Costa Rica with Clint Dempsey's 16th minute goal securing victory.
The US's decision to try and gain an advantage over the Central Americans by playing in a cold climate and at altitude, looked in danger of back-firing and causing a major logistical headache but despite the snow blowing for 90 minutes, the game was able to be finished.
The three points were vital for Juergen Klinsmann's team after they lost their opening game in the final stage of the qualifiers last month to Honduras and the German will be delighted with the character his team showed in a blizzard.
Captain Dempsey went close with a long-range effort in the 16th minute but moments later he had put Klinsmann's team in front.
Jozy Altidore tried his luck from the edge of the area and his shot deflected off Costa Rica defender Roy Miller and fell kindly to Dempsey who simply slotted home.
The game looked to be in doubt when the referee halted the game in the 55th minute but after consultation and a few minutes of clearing the touchlines of snow, the game resumed.
Costa Rica piled on the pressure with Alvaro Saborio forcing Guzan into action with a diagonal shot in the 60th minute and two minutes later Michael Umana had a header disallowed for offside.
But the US held on for a three points and a major morale boost.
The top three teams from the region qualify automatically for next year's finals in Brazil while the fourth placed team advances to a play-off.