Marquez’s late goal breaks tie, and Americans’ streak

Mexico wins first qualifier in United States since 1972; American goalie injured

COLUMBUS, OHIO — Rafa Marquez scored a tiebreaking goal on a header in the 89th minute, giving Mexico a 2-1 win Friday night and its first victory at the United States in World Cup qualifying since 1972.

Miguel Layun put Mexico ahead in the 20th minute in the opener of the final round of qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean, but Bobby Wood tied the score in the 49th.

The United States dominated the second half before the 37-year-old Marquez, unmarked and drifting across the penalty area at the near post, got the back of his head on Layun’s corner kick. The Mexican captain lifted the ball over goalkeeper Brad Guzan for his 17th international goal.

“It gets a sense of anger in us. It gets a sense of absolutely urgency,” U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. “It’s not a problem, but it’s obviously disappointing.”

The United States had beaten Mexico four straight times by 2-0 scores in home qualifiers — all at Columbus — and the Americans had been 30-0-2 at home in qualifying since a 3-2 loss to Honduras at Washington’s RFK Stadium in September 2001.

Mexico’s previous win in the country in qualifying was also by a 2-1 score, at Los Angeles.

“I think we deserved this match,” Layun said. “We were focused.”

Klinsmann said John Brooks was supposed to mark Marquez on the corner kick.

“We lost him there. Individual mistake,” Klinsmann said.

Guzan had lost the U.S. goalkeeper job to Tim Howard, who started at the last two World Cups. But Howard injured his right leg on a goal kick and was replaced in the 40th minute.

The Americans play Tuesday at Costa Rica. Mexico hosts Panama.

With the United States struggling early in a 3-5-2 formation, Mexico could have led 3-0. Howard tipped Jesus Corona’s 10th-minute shot off a post, and Carlos Vela’s 25th-minute header hit a crossbar.

After switching to a more familiar 4-4-2 formation in the 27th minute, the Americans began to find their rhythm, and Woodscored off a pass from Jozy Altidore.