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CONCACAF WCQ round-up

Image: Javier Hernandez: Scored winner for Mexico

Mexico became the first team to progress to the final round of the World Cup's CONCACAF Qualifying Zone thanks to a 1-0 home win over Costa Rica.

Mexico progress; USA claim win

Mexico became the first team to progress to the final round of the World Cup's CONCACAF Qualifying Zone thanks to a 1-0 home win over Costa Rica. Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez scored the winning goal at the Azteca as Mexico secured top spot in Group B with two rounds remaining in the Third Stage. Mexico were the better team throughout but had to rely on Hernandez, who headed home from a Jorge Torres-Nilo cross on the hour mark. El Salvador, meanwhile, moved up to second in in the group after defeating Guyana 3-2. Gregory Richardson put hosts Guyana ahead in the very first minute of the match, but Osael Romero and Jaime Alas hit back for El Salvador. Chris Nurse equalised in the 62nd minute but Rafael Burgos struck 14 minutes from time to help El Salvador climb up to five points, one above Costa Rica in both teams' fight for qualification. The United States moved above Jamaica and into second place in Group A after a 1-0 win in Columbus. Herculez Gomez netted the winner 10 minutes after the half-time break with a tremendous free-kick as the US avenged the 2-1 reverse in Kingston last Friday. It was a richly deserved victory for the United States, who hit the post on three occasions during the first half. Jurgen Klinsmann's men and Jamaica are level on seven points along with Guatemala, who edged past Antigua & Barbuda 1-0. Forward Carlos Ruiz netted the match's only goal in the 25th minute at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St John's. Panama went top of Group C after a 2-0 win over former leaders Canada, with Rolando Blackburn and Blas Perez on-target, while Jerry Bengtson's 32nd minute strike ensured Honduras claimed a 1-0 win over Cuba.

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