Mexico qualify for World Cup, Costa Rica close

Mexico duly qualified for the World Cup on Wednesday by demolishing Panama 5-0 while Costa Rica appear set to follow them after beating Trinidad & Tobago 2-0.

Guatemala's chances slipped after they could manage only a goalless draw at home to the US, who fielded a weakened side having made sure last Saturday of their place in next year's finals in Germany.

After eight rounds of matches, the US and Mexico lead the final stage of the CONCACAF qualifiers with 19 points, followed by Costa Rica (13), Guatemala (8), Trinidad (7) and Panama (2).

Costa Rica need two points from their final two outings, at home to the US and away to Guatemala in October, to take the final direct qualification spot.

Guatemala and Trinidad, meanwhile, have been left to fight for fourth spot, which earns a two-leg play-off against the fifth Asian side - either Uzbekistan or Bahrain - in November.

Guatemala, who are away to Mexico and at home to Costa Rica, have a one-point advantage and a better head-to-head record.

However, the Soca Warriors, who face Panama away and Mexico at home, appear to have the easier run-in.

Mexico, needing only a point to qualify at home in the Azteca stadium, went ahead in the 30th minute when Luis Perez controlled the ball on his chest and volleyed home from the edge of the penalty area.

They added further goals after halftime through Rafael Marquez, a Jared Borgetti penalty, substitute Francisco Fonseca and Pavel Pardo.

Borgetti, Mexico's all-time leading scorer with 37 goals, took his tally to 14 in the qualifiers.