The USA got back on track on Matchday 5 of the CONCACAF Group, recording a 2-1 win over Costa Rica. Mexico also cheered.
The USA have come back from a 1-0 defeat in Panama to claim an important victory in the battle for World Cup participation. Coach Gregg Berhalter’s team initially fell behind in the first minute against Costa Rica, but struck back in the 25th minute through Sergino Dest. The score was 1-1 going into the break.
Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas did not return from the break. The goalkeeper, who was playing his 99th international match, had probably suffered an injury to his adductor muscles in the first half. It is not yet clear how serious the injury is, but it is possible that the 34-year-old will also have to take a break in Paris, where he is competing with Italy’s European champion Gianluigi Donnarumma for the position in goal.
From Costa Rica’s point of view, it was doubly bitter: Navas’ substitute Leonel Moreira played a decisive role in the defeat: The goalkeeper of LD Alajuelense from the national league scored an unfortunate own goal. Timothy Weah hit the post from close range and the ball bounced off Moreira’s back and over the line to make it 2-1 (66).
The USA thus increased their points tally to eleven and are now behind Mexico in the standings. Costa Rica’s chances of making it to the World Cup are diminishing, with the coastal state two points behind Panama in fifth place. While the top three qualify directly for the tournament in Qatar, the fourth-placed team will play a decider against a representative from an Asian, Oceanian or South American continental association.
Davies scores in Canada win
Third-placed Canada, meanwhile, remain fully on course for the World Cup. The North Americans won 4-1 against neighbours Panama, with Alphonso Davies, who is probably on his way back to Munich by now, adding to their tally. Bayern’s winger’s 2-1 goal in the 66th minute put Canada on the winning track after falling behind early on.
Mexico, top of the group, won lacklustrely in El Salvador. After Hector Moreno’s opening goal, veteran Raul Jimenez made everything clear in injury time, scoring to make it 2-0. Mexico thus remain unbeaten in the final round.
