Qualifying for the World Cup has given Honduras citizens a welcome distraction from the political crisis that has gripped the country for over three months. Thursday, the day after Honduras defeated El Salvador 1-0 to clinch its first World Cup appearance since 1982, was declared a national holiday.
Hundreds of thousands of people celebrated in the streets, many welcoming the team at the airport and others lining the path to a church where the players attended mass. Negotiations continue about whether or not to reinstate President Manuel Zelaya, ousted from his post in June.