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CONCACAF WCQ Rewind: Mexico remains unbeaten, Honduras, Costa Rica share points

Following their 2-0 home win on Friday against Costa Rica, Mexico remained unbeaten in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying thanks to a 1-0 road win at Trinidad & Tobago on Tuesday.

Juan Carlos Osorio’s side got a 58th-minute game-winner from midfielder Diego Reyes to earn all three points at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

The opening half saw only two combined shots on goal, with Hector Moreno heading Mexico’s only effort over after eight minutes. Trinidad & Tobago’s closest chance came off the foot of Kevin Molino in the 26th minute.

Miguel Layun’s long-range effort in the 57th minute forced a save out of T&T keeper Jan Michael Williams. On the ensuing corner kick, Reyes netted his first international goal for El Tri after heading Layun’s cross to the top-right corner.

Despite an energetic performance from wing-back Joevin Jones, Trinidad & Tobago failed to record another shot on goal as Mexico held on for their third victory of World Cup Qualifying.

Williams made three saves in the defeat, while Alfredo Talavera was only called into action once. Trinidad & Tobago fell for the third time in qualifying, and travel to the United States on Matchday 6 on June 6th in what now is a must-win match.

Mexico (3-1-0) remain the only unbeaten side in CONCACAF qualifying, and will be at home for their next three qualifying matches.

COSTA RICA EARNS POINT AT HONDURAS

Following a 2-0 defeat at Mexico last Friday, Costa Rica bounced back by earning a point at Honduras on Tuesday.

Oscar Ramirez’s side had to dig deep though after going down 1-0 after 35 minutes. Honduras’ Anthony Lozano tapped home from close range after seeing his previous header saved by Keylor Navas.

Costa Rica’s best chances offensively in the first half came off the heads of Bryan Ruiz and Kendall Watson, however  the Ticos were down at the break.

Lozano’s 46th-minute effort from long-range forced another save from Navas near the bottom-right corner of the net. The missed opportunities would come back to haunt the Hondurans, as Watson headed home Costa Rica’s equalizer in the 68th-minute.

The Vancouver Whitecaps defender rose the highest to head Christian Bolanos’ cross from the left corner flag.

Lozano saw his 78th-minute effort saved by Navas, which would be the final shot on goal for either side.

Costa Rica made the most of their one shot on goal, while Navas made six saves in the draw. After both sides suffered defeats on Matchday 4, this is a favorable result for both Costa Rica and Honduras going forward.

Honduras remain in fourth, but could drop a spot pending the United States result in Panama late Tuesday night. They travel to Mexico on Matchday 6, knowing a positive result could help them in their final five qualifiers.

Costa Rica remain in second place, sitting three points better off than their opponents Tuesday evening. Los Ticos host Panama on Matchday 6, looking to keep pace with leaders Mexico.

 

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