A late goal from Roman Torres on Tuesday punched Panama’s ticket to their first FIFA World Cup finals with a 2-1 win over Costa Rica, while the US failed to qualify for the finals for the first time since 1986 after Honduras pipped them to a playoff place.
With Honduras stunning group winners Mexico 3-2, the US’ 2-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago saw them finish fifth in the six-team Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football final qualifying round.
Romell Quioto scored the winner in the 60th minute for Honduras, who are now to face Australia in a two-leg playoff next month for another ticket to Russia.
Photo: AFP
Panama’s win was not without controversy.
After the visitors went ahead through Johan Venegas’ neat chip in the first half, a 53rd-minute Panama corner bounced awkwardly off Gabriel Torres toward the net, and while forward Blas Perez dived head first to try to force it home, the ball was blocked on the line by Ronald Matarrita.
Somehow the Costa Rica defender scrambled it clear, but the referee, who had been standing outside the box, awarded the goal.
However, there was no doubt about the winner from Roman Torres, who hammered home a volley in the 88th-minute to spark wild celebrations in the stadium.
That goal not only sent Panama to their first World Cup, but ensured the US would miss out.
The US, who were sitting pretty in the final qualifying spot heading into Tuesday’s game, fell behind to an own-goal in the 16th minute from defender Omar Gonzalez and went two down when Alvin Jones scored eight minutes before halftime.
Christian Pulisic pulled one back shortly after the break, but the US failed to grab an equalizer.
“It was one of the most unlucky goals ever for myself and is one that will haunt me forever,” a guilt-stricken Gonzalez told reporters.
Mexico, who had already qualified for Russia as group winners, took the lead in Honduras when forward Oribe Peralta blasted home from close range in the 17th minute.
The home side equalized 17 minutes later through Alberth Elis before Mexico’s Carlos Vela responded with a strike five minutes later to put his team up 2-1.
Honduras equalized in unusual fashion when a bullet of a shot hit the crossbar and ricocheted off the back of the head of Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa for an unlikely own-goal.
Quioto then scored the crucial third for Honduras on the hour to hand Mexico their first defeat of the round and book their place in the playoffs against the Socceroos.
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