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Guatemala capitalise on Costa Rica's fall from grace
The CONCACAF region's best qualifier for the 2002 world cup has taken two big hits in it's opening two matches in the semi-final group phase of qualifying for Germany 2006.
Costa Rica, after going down 5-2 to the Honduras, have followed up with a 1-2 defeat to Guatemala after throwing away a 1-0 lead. Alonso Solis provided the 24th minute strike but the 17th minute send off of Andy Herron seven minutes earlier meant Costa Rica were going to struggle to maintain a post send off revival going. And it showed. Juan Carlos Plata scored a brace for Guatemala (57th and 80th minutes) to firmly secure Costa Rica's place at the bottom of the table in group 2 and Guatemala's place at the top.
Costa Rica, who are attempting to reach their second consecutive world cup finals, were expected to breeze through to the final round but now find themselves considerably behind the eightball. Guatemala on the other hand are on a nine game unbeaten streak and aiming for their first ever world cup finals. Should they maintain this form Guatemala could find themselves in Germany.
In the other group 2 match played Canada and Honduras played out a 1-1 draw. Jason De Vos,. who will be suspended for Canada's clash with Costa Rica, struck in the 82nd minute and seemingly gave Canada enough to steal three points. But an 88th minute penalty from Amado Guevara leveled the result. If any hope was held by Canada to steal the points back it was soon killed off when Paul Stalteri was sent from the field on 90 minutes. The result leaves Honduras in second with four points and Canada in third with a single point.
The USA cemented top spot in group A with a 2-0 win over El Salvador. Brian Ching gave the 2002 quarter finalists an early lead on 6 minutes. Soon after El Salvador were reduced to 10 when Dennis Alas received his second caution within 28 minutes. The US didn't dominate as much as they would have liked though, only managing an extra goal through superstar striker Landon Donovan (69 min).
Jamaica hosted Panama in the other group A match with Panama stealing a point from right under the hosts nose. Roberto Brown got Panama off to the best start possible with a 3rd minute goal. More red was seen as Ian Goodison got his second caution and reduced the hosts to 10. However hard work and a strong will managed to score Jamaica an equiliser. Damani Ralph netted with 8 to go, giving the home side something to cheer about. However one moment of reduced concentration allowed Panama in and Julio Dely Valdes stolle three points right on 90 minutes with a goal.
Group A sits poised for one team to make the rest take notice as the US lead it on four points. Panama leads El Salvador on goal difference after finishing the two rounds with three points a piece. Jamaica sits in fourth with the single point against the US in the first round.
Trinidad and Tobago are the only team to have played two matches in group C thanks to Mexico's first two matches being post poned. And they've taken full advantage. Trinidad and Tobago scored a second victory in the latest round. St. Kitts and Nevis's George Isaac got the ball rolling with a 40th minute goal but it didn't take long for the more experienced visitors to return fire. Errol McFarlane scored just before the break. The match was sealed on 88 minutes when Stern John netted and gave Trinidad and Tobago a perfect start to their campaign.
The upcoming matches later tonight will see a top of the table clash in Group B with Honduras hosting Guatemala. Costa Rica will hope to kickstart their campaign with vistory at home to Canada. Panama hosts the USA while Jamaica will travel to El Salvador hoping to get the elusive three points they need. Group C sees the battle of the saints as St. Vincent and the Grenadines play host to St. Kitts and Nevis. Meanwhile Mexico travel to Trindad and Tobago in what is a cruicial match in group C.
8 September, 2004 |
