Franco through to finals

Guillermo Franco was involved in the crucial first two goals as Mexico won through to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals with a 4-1 home success against El Salvador on Saturday night.

The West Ham United striker played for 86 minutes and was lively throughout. He helped cause confusion in the El Salvador penalty area on 25 minutes before visiting defender Marvin Gonzalez put through his own net. Franco then created the second in the 70th minute with a superb solo run before teeing up veteran playmaker Cuauhtemoc Blanco to score in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

The victory in front of more than 100,000 fans at the Azetca Stadium in Mexico City was seemingly confirmed by Paco Palencia's late third although there was still time for an El Salvador consolation. Mexico had the last word though through substitute Carlos Vela in added time and the comprehensive win means they will definitely progress from the CONCACAF qualification section to next summer's finals.

The match had taken a strange turn in the first half when a swarm of bees halted play for a good ten minutes after taking up residence in the El Salvador goal. Franco appeared at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and will hope to carry over his international form - after Wednesday's academic fixture in Trinidad and Tobago - to his club and a potential Hammers debut in next Saturday's match at Stoke City.