David Villa gives Spain 1-0 lead over Honduras after first half of Group H match at World Cup

Spain leads Honduras 1-0 after first half

JOHANNESBURG — David Villa has scored to give Spain a 1-0 lead against Honduras after the first half of their Group H match at the World Cup.

Villa broke into the penalty area from the left flank Monday and beat three defenders before sending a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Noel Valladares in the 17th minute at Ellis Park.

It was Villa’s 39th goal for Spain and his country’s first at this World Cup after losing 1-0 to Switzerland in the opening match.

Villa hit the crossbar in the seventh minute with a long-distance shot, while Fernando Torres squandered two chances — a header and a shot from the edge of the area — just after the half-hour mark.

Honduras was pushed back deep into its own half, struggling to cross the center line.