CONCACAF: SVEN-GORAN Eriksson's Mexico slumped to a 1-0 defeat in Jamaica in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday while the US routed Cuba 6-1 after their opponents reportedly suffered two defections before the game.
The US win guaranteed them a place in the final stage of the CONCACAF region's qualifying tournament next year and they were joined by Costa Rica, who won 4-1 in Suriname.
Honduras boosted their chances with a 3-1 win over Canada and Trinidad & Tobago held out for a goalless draw in Guatemala, despite having Cyd Gray sent off before half-time for a second bookable offence.
Mexico were beaten by a 14th-minute Ricardo Fuller goal in Kingston. Mexico are second in Group Two with nine points from four games and are level on points with leaders Honduras. Jamaica are five points behind.
Carlos Costly and Hendry Thomas scored in the last half hour for Honduras. Walter Martinez had given the Central Americans a ninth minute lead in San Pedro Sula before Andrew Hainault equalised nine minutes after half-time.
Cuba coach Reinhold Fanz said Pedro Faife and Reynier Alcantara disappeared from their hotel outside Washington on Friday.
DaMarcus Beasley scored twice to put the US in control before Jensy Munoz pulled one back for Cuba. Cuba capitulated after Yoel Colome was sent off in the 42nd minute and Landon Donovan, Bring Ching, Jozy Altidore and Oguchi Onyewu shared four more goals in the second half. The US have 12 points from four games, seven ahead of Guatemala and Trinidad & Tobago who remained level on five points.
Walter Centeno, Celso Borges, Armando Alonso and Alonso Solis scored for Costa Rica in Paramaribo, Clifton Sandvliet replied for Suriname. El Salvador, second with seven points, should follow Costa Rica into the final round after drawing 0-0 in Haiti.
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