Honduras stun Brazil in Copa America

Underdogs Honduras, who were only invited to the Copa America as last-minute replacements for Argentina, reached the semi-finals of the competition with a stunning 2-0 win over defending champions Brazil on Monday.

They will meet hosts Colombia, who earlier beat Peru 3-0 in Armenia with two goals from striker Victor Hugo Aristizabal and one from Giovany Hernandez, all in the second half.

An own goal by midfielder Belletti and an injury-time effort from Saul Martinez handed Brazil yet another shock defeat following similar upsets against Ecuador and Australia earlier this year.

Although both teams were missing their best players in a devalued tournament, the result is still likely to go down as a high point in Honduran football history alongside their sole World Cup appearance in 1982.

It could also plunge Brazil back into the crisis from which they appeared to have escaped with earlier wins over Peru and Paraguay in the first round. "We played well below our capabilities," said Brazilian striker Guilherme.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted he had made history for the wrong reasons.

"I, Big Phil, will go down in history as the Brazil coach who lost to Honduras. It's horrible. But Honduras played better, they deserved their win," he said, referring to himself by his nickname.

Brazil, who are also in danger of missing out on the World Cup for the first time in their history, were left to concentrate on next month's key qualifier at home to Paraguay.

Honduras opened the scoring in Manizales just as Brazil seemed to be finding their touch.

Julio Leon made a twisting run down the right and crossed on the turn for Martinez, whose headed hit the post and then bounced into the net off the hapless Belletti.

Honduras could have settled the game five minutes later but had a goal disallowed because the ball was ruled to have gone out of play when television replays suggested it had not.

The remainder of the game was dramatic as Brazil pressed forward, forced a succession of corners but could not find the equaliser.

Brazil captain Emerson Ferreira and Honduras defender David Carcamo were sent off for fighting as the tension built.

The Central Americans, technically gifted and well-organsied if somewhat lightweight in defence, settled the game when they caught Brazil on the break in the fourth minute of injury time and Martinez finished off the move by adding the second.

Honduras stood in for Argentina, who refused to take part after the South American Football Confederation (CSF) staged the competition at six days' notice, having earlier postponed it until next year.

Columbia's Aristizabal joined Costa Rica's Paulo Wanchope as topscorer on five goals while Colombia's goal remained unbreached in the competition.

Like Brazil and Honduras, Peru and Colombia were missing their best players due to fixture congestion and the chaotic organisation of the tournament.