Nine-man Mexico lose but keep World Cup dream alive

By Brian Homewood

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Mexico stumbled into the final stage of the CONCACAF zone World Cup qualifiers on goal difference on Wednesday despite losing 1-0 to Honduras and having two players sent off.

Honduras also went through while Trinidad and Tobago beat Cuba 3-0 to complete the six-team line up for the contest which will be played next year in a single group.

The United States, Costa Rica and El Salvador had previously booked their places.

Honduras topped Group Two with 12 points followed by Mexico and Jamaica on 10 each. Mexico sneaked through on goal difference despite Jamaica's 3-0 win over Canada in Kingston.

Mexico, who lost in Jamaica and drew in Canada, continued their dismal away form under Swedish coach Sven Goran-Eriksson as they were sunk by a Ricardo Osorio own goal on a muddy pitch in San Pedro Sula.

Osorio's attempted clearance went in off the crossbar following a corner in the 52nd minute.

Mexico's frustration boiled over the last five minutes when Gerardo Torrado and Carlos Vela were sent off.

Torrado picked up a second yellow card for a tackle on Carlos Costly in the 87th minute and Arsenal striker Vela was given a straight red one minute later for kicking Ramon Nunez.