NELSPRUIT : Jean Beausejour tapped in the only goal on Wednesday, giving Chile its first World Cup victory in 48 years with a 1-0 win over Honduras.
Beausejour knocked in a cross from defender Mauricio Isla in the 34th minute to give the Chileans three points in Group H.
'We're very happy, and we have to enjoy this triumph," Chile forward Alexis Sanchez said. "But we have to move ahead and win the game against our next rival."
Chile came close to doubling its lead on several occasions but squandered several chances, particularly in the second half. In the 62nd, Sanchez dragged a clear-cut chance wide after he was put through by playmaker Jorge Valdivia. And in the 64th, defender Waldo Ponce saw his close-range header saved by Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares.
Substitute Mark Gonzalez had three attempts on goal near the end.
Chile was on the offensive almost from the start, with midfielder Matias Fernandez threatening in the second minute with a free kick that curled just over the bar.
Valdivia tapped one in the net in the 75th but was ruled offside.
Honduras found it difficult to break through a well-organized Chilean defense, which was led by Gary Medel, and was restricted to long-range efforts, primarily from lone striker Carlos Pavon.
Honduras' best chance came from midfielder Ramon Nunez, who threatened with a free kick in first-half injury time that was tipped over the bar by Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
"It's a fair result," Honduras defender Sergio Mendoza said. "We didn't have a clear chance at goal. We knew we could lose this match, but qualifying out of the group is not impossible."
Chile's last victory at the World Cup came on June 16, 1962, when it hosted the tournament and beat Yugoslavia 1-0 for third place. This is Chile's first World Cup appearance since 1998, when the team managed to get past the group stage with three draws.
Chile plays Switzerland next on Monday in Port Elizabeth, while Honduras will face Spain at Ellis Park.
Honduras played without midfielder Cesar de Leon, who was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury. Coach Reinaldo Rueda replaced him with Jerry Palacios, making the national team the first to feature three brothers in a World Cup squad. AP
