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Mexico, Honduras book Olympic berths

Gerson Rodas of Honduras celebrates a goal against El Salvador in the 2012 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Semifinals at Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Gerson Rodas scored twice in extra time as Honduras beat El Salvador 3-2 to book a berth in the London Olympic football tournament

Mexico and Honduras booked spots at the London Olympics football tournament Saturday with semi-final victories in the North, Central American and Caribbean qualifying tournament. Gerson Rodas scored twice in extra time as Honduras beat El Salvador 3-2. Mexico then beat 10-man Canada 3-1 to secure an Olympic berth -- and set up a showdown with Honduras in the under-23 tournament final on Monday. Midfielder Marco Fabian scored one goal and set up another for Mexico, who booked a 10th trip to the Olympics -- and a return to the Games after they missed out in 2008. He gave Mexico the lead midway through the first half, then combined with Alan Pulido in an exchange that ended with a goal for Pulido, restoring Mexico's lead just a minute after Marcus Haber equalized for Canada. "You think you're back in the game, and then all of a sudden you go down again," Canada coach Tony Fonseca said. Miguel Ponce completed the scoring for Mexico in the second half and Canada's hopes were hit further when Doneil Henry was sent off after a second yellow card for bringing down Pulido. Ponce said that booking an Olympic berth was important, but Mexico won't feel their job is completed until they have won the tournament. "We're in the Olympics, but we have another important game and we have to do a nice job," he said. Honduras claimed their third trip to the Olympics since 2000. "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." Rodas scored 11 minutes into extra time and his second, with about five minutes to go, finally ended El Salvador's challenge. Honduras had taken the lead in the opening minute of the match and stayed in front until Milton Molina headed in the equalizer in the 77th. The teams ended normal time level at 1-1. After Rodas put Honduras ahead in extra time, Edwin Sanchez again pulled El Salvador level before Rodas struck the winner. El Salvador were without defender Alexander Larin, who on Friday was suspended for three games for striking US forward Terrence Boyd. El Salvador, the surprise winners of Group A, have not qualified for the Olympics since 1968.