Wood rescues US with Honduras draw
SAN PEDRO SULA ( Honduras): Hamburg striker Bobby Wood scored a late equaliser to salvage a crucial 1-1 draw for the United States in their World Cup qualifier with Honduras.
Wood bundled in an 85th-minute leveller just 12 minutes after coming on as a substitute to rescue a point for the Americans in sweltering conditions at the Olimpico Metropolitano Stadium.
The result means that Bruce Arena’s side still have automatic qualification in their own hands, with a home match against Panama next month followed by an away game against Trinidad and Tobago.
If the US win both of those games, they will be assured of reaching next year’s Finals in Russia.
“That’s a huge point for the US team,” US coach Arena said afterward.
“I’m really proud of our team,” he added on Tuesday.
Arena insisted the team had not set out to play for a draw – and added that the US path to Russia is still far from straightforward.
“We didn’t come here to play for a point. We fell behind a goal and tried to get it back.
“The team deserves credit for getting a point,” he said.
“There’s not even a crack open in the door to Russia for us.
“There’s a lot of work to be done.”
Elsewhere, Costa Rica squandered the chance to book their ticket to Russia after being held 1-1 at home by Mexico.
Mexico, who have already qualified, took the lead through a Cristian Gamboa own goal on 42 minutes. Costa Rica hit back through Marco Urena seven minutes from time.
In the other game, Panama moved into the automatic qualifying places in third spot after defeating Trinidad and Tobago 3-0. — AFP