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| October 10, 2005 | Monday | Ramzan 5, 1426 |
WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: Costa Rica, Mexico book berths
RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct 9: Costa Rica qualified for their second successive World Cup with a 3-0 win over a makeshift United States team on Saturday, while Mexico striker Francisco Fonseca spoiled Guatemala’s chances with four goals in a 5-2 win.
Costa Rica, set on their way by a record-breaking strike from Paulo Wanchope, clinched the CONCACAF region’s third and final direct place, to join the U.S. and Mexico in Germany next year.
Trinidad & Tobago emerged as favourites to take fourth spot, which earns a two-leg play-off against Uzbekistan or Bahrain, by winning 1-0 in Panama.
The Soca Warriors have 10 points from nine games, two ahead of Guatemala, and are at home to Mexico in their final game on Wednesday while Guatemala host Costa Rica.
Wanchope became Costa Rica’s all-time leading scorer with 43 goals when he opened the scoring in the 35th minute on the Saprissa stadium’s artificial pitch in San Jose.
Substitute Carlos Hernandez added two goals in the last half hour to give Costa Rica a convincing win against a U.S. team that rested most of their regular players.
Guatemala’s chances got an early boost when Carlos “The Fish” Ruiz scored in the second minute in San Luis Potosi with his 11th goal of the qualifiers.
However, Mexico hit back in the 20th minute with a goal from Argentine-born Guillermo Franco, controversially selected by coach Ricardo La Volpe despite widespread opposition to the presence of naturalised players.
Fonseca sank Guatemala with a remarkable four goals in 18 minutes in the second half, two of which were set up by Franco, while Selvin Ponciano replied in between.
Netherlands win
AMSTERDAM: Penalty-saving goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar took the plaudits after a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague secured the Netherlands qualification for the World Cup finals in Germany next year.
In his 104th international match, eight behind record holder Frank de Boer, the Manchester United keeper stopped a Thomas Rosicky penalty on the half hour and made a series of fine saves.
Rafael van der Vaart and Barry Opdam scored two and eight minutes after the penalty stop.
The Dutch were top of Group One with 31 points from 11 matches and can add another three when they host Macedonia on Wednesday. Macedonia are the only side to have taken a point from Marco van Basten’s team during qualification.—Agencies
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