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regular-article-logo Saturday, 23 November 2024

US, Mexico book berths for Fifa World Cup

Canada, who already secured qualification on Sunday, lost 1-0 at Panama but still finished top of the group

Reuters Published 01.04.22, 02:11 AM
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The US and Mexico both booked tickets to this year’s World Cup in Qatar in the final round of Concacaf qualifying on Wednesday. The US, who missed out on the 2018 tournament, lost 0-2 to Costa Rica but still progressed along with the Mexicans, who beat El Salvador 2-0.

On the final matchday of Concacaf qualifying, the US knew that a win, draw or loss by less than six goals would ensure a return to the World Cup finals. “It’s amazing what this group of guys have been able to do over these last seven months,” head coach Gregg Berhalter told CBS Sports.

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“I’ve really seen the team grow and this is a great accomplishment. We are looking forward to the World Cup.” Berhalter was part of the US team that reached the quarter finals at the 2002 World Cup, where they lost to Germany. He was also part of their 2006 World Cup squad but did not play any games as they were knocked out in the group stage.

Costa Rica went ahead in the 51st minute from a Juan Pablo Vargas header before Anthony Contreras doubled the lead from close range shortly after. Mexico defeated El Salvador after Uriel Antuna put them ahead from the left side of the six-yard box in the 17th minute before Raul Jimenez converted a penalty just before halftime.

Canada, who already secured qualification on Sunday, lost 1-0 at Panama but still finished top of the group. The US, Mexico and Canada will jointly host the 2026 World Cup.

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