Israel shuts down Honduras in soccer friendly

National team blanks Central Americans 2-0 in New York

3 June 2013, 5:03 am
Honduras's Juan Garcia (left), and Israel's Menachem Shechter (right) compete for the ball during an international friendly soccer match at Citi Field in New York, June 2, 2013. (AP/Seth Wenig)

NEW YORK (AP) — Hen Ezra scored in the 52nd minute and set up Shimon Abihazira’s goal in the 76th to lead Israel over Honduras 2-0 Sunday in a football friendly at Citi Field.

Ezra beat two defenders and lifted a shot over goalkeeper Noel Valladares. Abihazira took Ezra’s pass and chipped over Valladares.

Honduras is preparing for three World Cup qualifiers this month. The side is fourth in the six-nation final round of North and Central America and the Caribbean qualifying.

The top three qualify for next year’s tournament in Brazil and the fourth-place team advances to a playoff against New Zealand for another berth.

Israel is second in Europe qualifying Group F. The nine European group winners qualify, while eight second-place teams advance to playoffs.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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