Concacaf World Cup Qualifying June 2009

Central American Rivalries Heat Up En Route to South Africa

Jun 11, 2009

Costa Rica and the USA are the clear favourites to qualify directly for 2010 while third and fourth spots remain up for grabs. Where are Mexico?

All eyes are on Mexico – this is not intended as disrespect to the high tempo and quality games being played by group leaders Costa Rica and the US, but the unthinkable is possible and unravelling before our very eyes. Whisper it cautiously and certainly with no fans of the Tricolor within earshot, but, the Mexican team may not make it to the World Cup Finals in South Africa 2010.

Costa Rica, all but qualified

Stamping their authority on this the final round of Concacaf group qualifying the Ticos comfortably saw off a spirited USA and prevailed away against Trinidad and Tobago. With a goal from Alvaro Saborio and two from Celso Borges the Costa Rican pubic must have all but forgotten the talismanic Paolo Wanchope who carried them through to two successive World Cup finals. The Ticos are very confidently moving and manoeuvring to be Central America’s most effective team.

Team USA on track

Despite a humbling at the hands of the in-form Costa Ricans, USA kept their qualifying hopes on track with stubborn win in Chicago. Despite falling behind due to an error from Clint Dempsey, goals from Landon Donovan and Carlos Bocanegra made the game safe for the USA. The USA, three points ahead of Honduras and four clear of Mexico face a daunting journey to Mexico City in August.

Honduras, ahead of Mexico!

Despite almost coming away from the game in the US with a point, Honduras can be happy with their win over fierce rivals El Salvador. Honduran hero Carlos Pavon made the game safe in 13 minutes although the hosts had a host of scoring opportunities. Hondurans will go into the home game against Costa Rica in August with a degree of confidence.

Mexico in Fourth!

With only one point separating them from El Salvador the Mexican team are looking shaken and in trouble. Winless on the road in six games they need to take maximum points at home against the USA in August. Humbled by El Salvador and pushed to the limits by Trinidad and Tobago Javier Aguirre’s team do not look anything like what they should. They will not want a two leg play-off with the fifth placed side in South America, currently Ecuador.

Trinidad and Tobago

Unfortunately, despite their forward runs and goal scoring abilities it looks as if Trinidad and Tobago will not make it through to South Africa 2010. This is not to say that they cannot, but, results just are not going their way. Having pushed both Mexico and Costa Rica to the limit and coming away with no points has left the islanders trailing.

Results from Rounds 4 and 5

Concacaf World Cup Qualification Standings June 2009

Next games in August

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