Colombia end Honduran Copa America dream

Hosts Colombia ended the romantic Copa America run of Honduras on Thursday, beating the rank outsiders 2-0 in their semi-final.

Honduras, who were only invited to take part at the last minute after Argentina withdrew, had provided the high point of the competition when they amazingly beat Brazil 2-0 in their quarter-final on Monday.

The Central Americans, who also beat Bolivia and Uruguay in the first round, finally ran out of steam as they were beaten by goals in each half from Gerardo Bedoya and Victor Hugo Aristizabal.

Colombia, who have still not conceded a goal in the competition, will meet Mexico on Sunday in Bogota, the first time they have been in the final since 1975 when they lost to Peru.

Aristizabal is the tournament's leading scorer with six goals to his credit.

Bedoya fired Colombia in front with a dipping shot from the edge of the penalty area after six minutes as the hosts took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Honduras nearly equalised when a curling free kick from Amado Guevara was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Oscar Cordoba on the half hour.

They were unlucky again early in the second half when a Julio Leon free kick from a narrow angle a bounced off the crossbar with Cordoba this time beaten.

The game was evenly poised until Aristizabal converted a chance created by Freddy Grisales in the 63rd minute.

Both teams were missing their top players, who were either not available or were being rested for the World Cup qualifying competitions which resume in August.

The Copa has been devalued by its timing and also by the indecision of the South American Football Confederation (CSF) over the security situation in the host nation.

The CSF at one stage postponed the contest until next year, then changed their minds only six days before the opening game.

Argentina, who had already sent their players on holiday, refused to play at such short notice and were replaced by Honduras.