Reuters: Sports News: Mexico, U.S. suffer World Cup setbacks

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Mexico, U.S. suffer World Cup setbacks Sep 7th 2013, 06:54 1 of 2. Mexico's Fernando Arce (R) jumps for the ball against Honduras' Jerry Bengtson as Mexico's Carlos Salcido looks on during their 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match at Azteca stadium in Mexico City September 6, 2013. Credit: Reuters/Edgard Garrido By Simon Evans Sat Sep 7, 2013 1:38am EDT (Reuters) - Mexico suffered only their second ever qualifying defeat in the Azteca Stadium with a 2-1 loss to Honduras on Friday that increases the pressure on coach Jose Manuel de la Torre and leaves 'El Tri' with plenty of work to do to qualify for Brazil. Costa Rica, who top the CONCACAF region standings, took a step towards booking their place at next year's finals with an impressive 3-1 win over the United States while Panama were held to a goalless draw at home to Jamaica in the other game. After seven rounds of matches, Costa Rica have 14 points, the United States 13, Honduras moved up to 10 points while Mexico are in fourth place, outside the automatic qualification slots on eight points in the final stage six-team group. Panama are on seven and Jamaica are bottom of the standings on three points. Mexico's biggest worry going into Friday's game was a lack of attacking efficiency at home after their three previous qualifiers at the Azteca had all ended in goalless draws. Seeking to address the issue, De la Torre left Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez on the bench and started with Oribe Peralto in attack with the move paying off instantly. Giovani dos Santos burst down the left flank and picked out Peralto with a low cross, which the striker calmly slotted home to end Mexico's home goal drought after just six minutes. Mexico seemed in control but the introduction of Jerry Bengtson to the Honduran attack changed the game. Carlos Costly's powerful drive was parried out by Jose Corona and Bengtson reacted quickly to tap in the loose ball for a 64th minute equalizer. Two minutes later, Costly grabbed the winner when he bustled past Diego Reyes before unleashing a superb shot into the far corner. BRADLEY BLOW Mexico travel to Columbus, Ohio to face the United States on Tuesday with both teams feeling the pressure to get back to winning ways quickly. The U.S. suffered a blow even before the game began when key midfielder Michael Bradley limped off the field with an ankle injury picked up during the warm-up. Costa Rica grabbed the lead in the third minute when Jhonny Acosta headed in a corner at the near post past DaMarcus Beasley on the line. Seven minutes later it was 2-0 when Cristian Bolanos floated a ball towards the back post and Celso Borges rose superbly above Beasley to head home. Playing in his 100th international game, Clint Dempsey converted a penalty shortly before the break to give Juergen Klinsmann's side hope of a second half comeback. But a goal on the breakaway by the lively Joel Campbell with 13 minutes remaining secured victory for Costa Rica. Panama will be kicking themselves for not taking advantage of Mexico's stumble after they failed to defeat a Jamaica team that played most of the second half with 10 men. It was the first game in charge for Jamaica's new German coach Winfried Schaefer and he had keeper Donovan Ricketts to thank for some superb saves. Jamaica had Rodolph Austin sent off for a second bookable offence in the 58th minute but held on for a point. (Reporting By Simon Evans; Editing by John O'Brien) Link this Share this Digg this Email Reprints

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