13 Aug 2009

Mexico beat US in world cup qualifier

6:48 pm on 13 August 2009

A late strike from substitute Miguel Sabah gave Mexico a 2-1 victory over the United States in their World Cup qualifier in Mexico City.

The win boosts Mexico's hopes of making the top three in the CONCACAF qualification group and with it an automatic place in next year's finals in South Africa.

The U.S, who have never beaten Mexico at the Azteca stadium, had taken the lead in the ninth minute through a curling Charlie Davies shot which shocked the capacity 105,000 crowd.

But 11 minutes later Mexico drew level in spectacular fashion through a superb 25-metre strike from Israel Castro.

The U.S looked capable of holding on for a point until Efrain Juarez burst down the right into the area and the ball broke free to Sabah, who had only been on the field four minutes, to blast home the winner.

Costa Rica top the standings with 12 points and have a game in hand over the USA who have 10 points and Mexico who have 9 points.