Mexico, US, Costa Rica look for final round spots
October 10th, 2008 | by admin |Mexico, the United States and Costa Rica can move a step closer to the 2010 World Cup finals in CONCACAF third round qualifiers this weekend.
The three teams have perfect records so far with three straight wins, putting them in a strong position to advance to the fourth and final round where three automatic spots for the finals in South Africa will be up for grabs.
In Group 1, the Americans need a win against visiting Cuba to progress regardless of what happens in the Guatemala versus Trinidad and Tobago match.
The U.S. has nine points, while Guatemala and Trinidad have four each and Cuba none.
In Group 2, the Mexicans — coached by Sven-Goran Eriksson — will play away after the first three rounds at home. Mexico needs a win or draw at Jamaica to move on to the final round.
Mexico is followed by Honduras with six points, while Canada and the Jamaicans have one each.
“The must important thing right now is to qualify to the next round as soon as possible,” Eriksson said. “Whether it is by drawing or winning, it really does not matter.”
Costa Rica leads Group 3 with nine points. El Salvador has six points, while Haiti and Surinam have one.
Costa Rica appears to have the easiest match of all at Surinam, which lost its last match 7-0 in San Jose.
The top two teams in each group progress to the final round, which will be played next year.
