Mexico needed a pair of late goals from Pavel Pardo to avoid defeat at their fabled Azteca Stadium on Thursday, while the USA earned a hard fought victory in Guatemala City.
The U.S. match report is here. In the other match in the U.S. group Trinidad and Tobago got two goals from Keon Daniel as they beat Cuba 3-1 in Havana. Wednesday’s results sets up a make or break game for Guatemala next month as they must travel to Trinidad. They need at least a point from this game if they are to keep their world cup qualifying hopes alive.
New Mexico coach Sven-Goran Eriksson almost saw his reign begin with a loss as Mexico trailed Honduras 1-0 at half-time. Mexico has only lost one game ever at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City but it took two goals from Pavel Pardo to spare some Mexican blushes.
In the other game in Group 2 Canada were held to a draw by Jamaica. Spain-based midfielder Julian De Guzman opened the scoring in the 47th minute for Jamaica, but an own goal by Canada keeper Pat Onstad gave the Jamaicans a precious away point.
Mexico now travels to Jamaica on September while Canada hosts Honduras. Both Canada and Honduras need three points from this one.
