US close in on Cup berth IVORY COAST CLOSE IN ON CUP BERTH

Orlando, Oct. 7: Christian Pulisic ran riot in Orlando to fire the United States to within touching distance of Russia 2018 with a 4-0 win over Panama.

The brilliant 19-year-old scored one and made another to cap a sensational 19-minute burst at the start of this crucial World Cup qualifier to see off a shellshocked Panama team and help the U.S. take a firm step towards next year’s finals.

Pulisic opened the scoring on eight minutes and beautifully set up strike partner Jozy Altidore to make it two and compound a nightmare start for Panama, who now look destined to settle for a play-off match against either Syria or Australia to land a World Cup place for the first time in their

history. Honduras, whose match in Costa Rica was put back a day because of adverse weather, also remain in the mix.

For the Americans, however, a win against bottom of the hexagonal table Trinidad and Tobago on

Tuesday will seal their ticket for an eighth consecutive finals and even a point should do it.

“It was a good win for our team. We have had a great year despite what people think,” Bruce Arena said. Johannesburg, Oct. 7: Ivory Coast rode their luck as they crept closer to a fourth consecutive World Cup appearance by drawing 0-0 away to Mali in a 2018 Africa zone qualifier. In a scrappy game, Mali created most of the clear-cut chances and came closest to breaking the deadlock when an Adama Niane shot rattled the crossbar during the second half.

Several Ivorians were yellow carded for fouls and time wasting, including Eric Bailly of Manchester United and Serge Aurier.