Unbeaten teams the US and Costa Rica won in lopsided routs on Saturday to secure berths in North America’s qualifying tournament for the 2010 World Cup, but Mexico were denied with a loss in Jamaica.
The US blasted political rivals Cuba 6-1 in the US capital, while visiting Costa Rica ripped Suriname 4-1, but Richard Fuller’s goal in the 14th minute gave Jamaica a 1-0 victory over the previously unbeaten Mexicans.
Honduras helped their chances of advancement with a 3-1 home victory over Canada, while Haiti and El Salvador played to a goalless draw, as did Guatemala against Trinidad and Tobago.
PHOTO: AP
The top two teams in each of three groups advance to the final phase next year, which determines three teams for the finals in South Africa, while the fourth-place finisher plays off for a berth against a South American team.
Guatemala’s home draw against Trinidad and Tobago ensured the Group A crown for the US, who improved to 4-0 in qualifying and 7-1-1 all-time against Cuba, who had already lost two players this week to apparent defections.
“We wanted to do it with a good strong team performance and I think that was the case,” US coach Bob Bradley said.
PHOTO: AP
DaMarcus Beasley scored in the 10th and 30th minutes, Cuba’s Jenzy Munoz answered for Cuba in the 32nd minute, but Cuba lost Yoel Colome to a second yellow card in the 42nd minute and four second-half US goals doomed them.
Landon Donovan struck in the 48th minute, followed by Brian Ching in the 63rd, Jozy Altidore in the 87th and Oguchi Onyewu in the 90th minute.
“We’ve been together for a year-and-a-half now,” Beasley said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but we were happy with the chances we created.”
Costa Rica improved to 4-0 in Group C against Suriname, with goals from Walter Centeno in the 10th minute, Bryan Ruiz in the 37th, Armando Alonso in the 47th and Armando Solis in the 77th minute. Clifton Sandvliet struck hosts Suriname in the 48th minute.
Mexico, ranked 24th in the world by FIFA, had a chance to clinch a spot in next year’s six-team regional showdown, but Sven Goran-Eriksson’s side, who beat Jamaica 3-1 at home, were undone in the reverse Group B encounter.
Former Liverpool and England star John Barnes, who was born and raised in Kingston, made a triumphant debut in his hometown as manager of the Jamaican team after Rene Simoes was fired last month.
Now the Mexicans face another road test on Wednesday in Canada, the only team with no chance to advance, and the Jamaicans host Honduras, when a victory would give the Reggae Boyz a fighting chance to advance.
By eliminating Canada 3-1, Honduras matched Mexico on nine points.
Walter Martinez gave Honduras the lead in the seventh minute, but Andres Hailnault equalized for Canada in the 52nd minute. Carlo Costly put Honduras ahead in the 60th minute and Hendrik Thomas added an insurance goal in stoppage time.
Trinidad and Tobago held hosts Guatemala 0-0 even after the expulsion of Cid Gray in the 39th minute. The Guatemalans have the edge on goal difference over their rivals.
Haiti were also held to a goalless draw by El Salvador.
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