MEXICO CITY (AP):

SVEN-GORAN Eriksson made a victorious return to international management on Wednesday night with Mexico rallying to beat Honduras 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier.

Pavel Pardo smashed in two long-range shots in three minutes to spare the former England manager an early setback.

A free kick from Julio Cesar Leon, nicknamed 'Rambo', which bounced in off the crossbar gave Honduras a stunning start in the 35th minute.

Cannon shots

But Mexico's incessant attacks paid off with Pardo's rapid-fire goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes.

The Stuttgart midfielder's first cannon shot from outside the area whistled past Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares, then his free kick from the left wing flew past the wall and into the right corner of the net.

"The team suffered but they played with a lot of will in front of an amazing public," said Eriksson, who managed England between 2001 and 2006.

The Swede was hired by Mexico after being fired by Manchester City just one season into his contract with the English Premier League club.

Pardo's three minutes of glory made up for a match in which Mexico dominated play but struggled to find their scoring touch, while Honduras threatened with counter-attacks.

"We won this game fighting," Pardo said. "But we still have to play better if we want to go all the way."

Honduras created the goal on their first effective attack on the break, which culminated in Brazilian-born Leandro Augusto bringing down Honduras' David Suazo just outside the area.

Honduras continued to look dangerous again in the second half, with Victor Bernardez whacking in a second free kick which was narrowly deflected by a diving Oswaldo Sanchez in the 60th.

However, after Mexico's goals their attacks lost structure and players lost composure and Maynor Figueroa was ejected in the 77th for arguing with the referee.