Spain 0-1 Honduras: Bengtson header sends Spaniards crashing out

Spain have been knocked out of the Olympic Games after a 1-0 defeat to Honduras in a match that saw La Roja hit the frame of the goal three times.

Jerry Bengtson gave Luis Suarez's side the lead with a towering header in the first-half as the Central Americans put up a good fight in the opening period.

After the break things were a little different as Spain dominated from start to finish, hitting the woodwork three times, with Adrian Lopez, Iker Muniain and Rodrigo all going very close to getting their team at least one point.

Luis Milla resisted the opportunity to make considerable changes following the defeat to Japan, with Alberto Botia coming in for the suspended Inigo Martinez and Iker Munian replacing Rodrigo the only differences to the team.

Honduras also named a very similar side to their 2-2 draw with Morocco, with Wilmer Crisanto the only new player as he came in for Alex Lopez at left-back.

Spain started in a fairly ominous fashion, attacking with intent, but the unfancied Hondurans took the lead with just over six minutes played as Roger Espinoza delivered a masterful cross from the left that Bengtson powerfully headed past David de Gea after unsurprisingly beating Jordi Alba in the air.

Milla's side continued to control the possession after the goal, but they were struggling to create chances and Honduras were looking dangerous once again soon after.

Silky midfielder Mario Martinez found himself on the left-wing and brilliantly beat Martin Montoya before crossing in for Bengtson, but this time Botia was able to clear for a corner.

After missing out the Japan defeat with injury, Muniain was looking determined to leave his print on the match, but after a good run in which he beat two defenders thanks to a one-two with Isco, his final ball back to the Malaga man was poor and Honduras marched away with possession.

A few minutes later it was the final ball again letting Spain down. This time thanks to some good work by Isco and Juan Mata, Munian found Adrian in the left channel of the penalty area, but when in a prime position to cross he gave the ball straight to the goalkeeper, to the obvious despair of his teammates.

Spain were living dangerously, and when Javi Martinez conceded a free-kick on the left-hand side, the Athletic Club midfielder’s Honduran namesake almost found the bottom corner with a curling delivery, but De Gea saved well down to his right.

Mata had the Spaniards' best chance with 10 minutes left of the first-half. Montoya advanced down the right before cutting back a well-placed cross towards the Chelsea man, but his sliced volley bounced and spun inches wide of the far post.

The final chance of the first period also fell to Mata, who narrowly missed the very same post with a low curling effort after Isco’s knock back and Milla’s side deservedly went into the break trailing.