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SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras, June 20 (Reuters) - Striker Carlos Pavon scored a hat-trick as Honduras beat Mexico 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, leaving the visitors with only a remote chance of reaching next year's finals.

It was Mexico's second defeat in qualifying in five days after a historic home loss to Costa Rica on Saturday and their sixth in a row in all matches. Coach Enrique Meza, who looked on glumly as his team were pulled apart, seems set to lose his job. Mexico remained fifth in the final stage of the CONCACAF competition, from which only the top three teams qualify, with four points from their five games. Honduras, who beat Trinidad 4-2 on Saturday, are second with eight points after two wins on the trot. The United States are top with 13 points.

The quick and skilful Hondurans outclassed their demoralised opponents from the start with strikers Pavon and the speedy David Suarez giving the Mexican defence a torrid time. The home team swept forward in waves and the first goal was only a matter of time. It came after 32 minutes when the Mexican defence only partially cleared a corner, the ball was headed back in and Pavon controlled it on his chest and scored on the volley.

Shortly afterwards, Suazo burst through the Mexican defence and was hauled back by his shirt. Amada Guevara hit the post from the resulting free kick. There was no rest for Mexico after the break and in the 52nd minute Pavon scored the second with a header at the far post.

Pavon completed his hat-trick with a penalty in the 64th minute after Suazo was hauled down by goalkeeper Jorge Campos, setting off wild celebrations in the 50,000 crowd. Campos saved Mexico from a heavier defeat with a string of saves in the next quarter of an hour. Substitute Victor Ruiz made the score slightly more respectable when he pulled a goal back for Mexico four minutes from the end.