Sunday 6th September 2009
Mexico climb CONCACAF ladder
A Giovani dos Santos inspired Mexico reached the World Cup automatic qualifying positions with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Costa Rica.
Javier Aguirre's El Tri climbed to the third place in the CONCACAF Qualifying Zone on 12 points although only goal difference separates them from the Ticos, who had a disappointing night in Tibas.
Mexico managed to take the lead seconds before half-time as Dos Santos shot from the left side to Keylor Navas' far post. Seventeen minutes after the interval, Dos Santos assisted Guillermo Franco, who widened the gap.
Eight minutes later, Andres Guardado secured the victory after Dos Santos' pass.
Honduras and the United States still lead the CONCACAF Qualifying Zone on 13 points after their respective wins over rock-bottom duo Trinidad & Tobago and El Salvador.
Carlos Pavon netted a brace (19th and 28th minute) and Amado Guevara and David Suazo added one each (62nd and 83rd minute, respectively) as Honduras thrashed Trinidad & Tobago 4-1.
Jerry Baptiste reduced the deficit for the Soca Warriors in San Pedro Sula but it was merely a consolation.
Finally in Sandy, Utah, two first-half goals by Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore were enough for the US team to come back from a goal down and beat the Salvadorans 2-1.
The match did not start well for Bob Bradley's side as Christian Castillo gave El Salvador the lead at the 32nd, assisted by Rodolfo Zelaya.
Dempsey levelled 11 minutes later before Landon Donovan assisted Altidore who converted his header in first half added time.
El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago have little chance to advance as they are level on only five points, with three rounds to go.
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