World Cup 2014: Ecuador edge past Honduras to stay alive
World Cup 2014: Ecuador edge past Honduras to stay alive
Ecuador forward Enner Valencia scored twice in a 2-1 comeback victory over Honduras on Friday that kept his team in contention at the World Cup.

Brazil: Ecuador forward Enner Valencia scored twice in a 2-1 comeback victory over Honduras on Friday that kept his team in contention at the World Cup.

Ecuador moved into second spot in Group E with a match remaining against group-leading France, who have had two dominating wins.

Honduras took the lead in the 31st minute with their first goal at the World Cup in 32 years when Carlo Costly latched onto a long ball following a mistake from Ecuador defender Jorge Guagua.

Valencia responded three minutes later, tapping in from close range.

He scored the winner came in the 65th when he out-jumped the defense to head home a free kick from Walter Ayovi. Ecuador lost their opening match 2-1 to Switzerland, but edged ahead of the Swiss on goal difference.

Ecuador, who suffered a late loss to Switzerland in their opening game, saw just one change to their starting XI as Oswaldo Minda took Carlos Armando Gruezo Arboleda's place in midfield.

Ecuador looked most dangerous on the counter-attack, while Honduras had a good chance in the 27th minute.

The game came to life just after the half-hour mark. A long pass from Brayan Beckeles found Costly and, after Jorge Guagua failed to clear, the Real Espana forward fired a powerful left-footed strike past Alexander Dominguez in the 31st minute.

But just three minutes later and Ecuador were level. Valencia was quickest to react to Juan Carlos Paredes' deflected shot from the right to tap in the equaliser at the back post.

Ecuador were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 58th minute when Felipe Caicedo appeared to be brought down. Bengtson forced Dominguez into a save down low to his left moments later before Valencia put Rueda's side ahead in the 65th minute.

Ecuador's next match will be against France, while Honduras will take on Switzerland.

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