Costa Rica clinches berth in Cup; opens door for U.S.
Kendall Waston scored in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, giving Costa Rica a 1-1 tie against visiting Honduras on Saturday and clinching the Ticos’ second straight World Cup berth.
The dramatic late goal means the United States likely needs at most a draw at Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday to qualify for its eighth straight World Cup berth.
The top three of six teams in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying make Russia 2018, while the fourth-place team heads to a playoff against Australia or Syria. Mexico wrapped up the first berth about a month ago. Thirdplace U.S. has 12 points and Panama and Honduras are tied for fourth at 10 points. The Americans would be eliminated only if they lose and Panama and Honduras both win. More qualifying: Cristiano Ronaldo scored and helped Portugal win an eighth straight game in Europe, 2-0 over Andorra, but Group B rival Switzerland’s 5-2 win over visiting Hungary ran its own win streak to nine. It set up a showdown in Lisbon on Tuesday that will decide the group . ... France’s third-minute goal in Bulgaria was enough for a 1-0 win to retain the Group A lead by one point over Sweden, which earlier routed Luxembourg 8-0 . ... Nigeria is Africa’s first team to qualify, beating Zambia 1-0 at home. MLS: Daniel Royer, Bradley WrightPhillips and Felipe scored and the New York Red Bulls clinched the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with a 3-0 win over the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps . ... Brent Kallman tied it with a header in the 84th minute and host Minnesota United held on for a 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City . ... Atiba Harris scored the tying goal early in the second and FC Dallas and the host Colorado Rapids played a 1-1 draw. Deltas win: Tommy Heinemannn scored twice to help the S.F. Deltas, playing their third road match in seven nights, defeat first-place Miami FC 3-0. NWSL: The Portland Thorns earned a spot in the women’s league championship match with a 4-1 victory over the Orlando Pride. The Thorns face the winner of Sunday’s game between North Carolina and Chicago.