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The USA and Costa Rica booked their tickets to the World Cup with a victory and a draw in Concacaf regional qualifying.
The Americans advanced by beating Mexico 2-0, while Costa Rica booked their spot after drawing 1-1 with Jamaica. The qualifications were confirmed after Panama drew 2-2 with Honduras later.

	It is pretty special. I am proud of this team and proud of the hard work. Everyone deserves it so much

	Landon Donovan
Goals from Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan fired the Americans to victory over their fierce regional rivals.
"It is pretty special," said Donovan. "I am proud of this team and proud of the hard work. Everyone deserves it so much."
It is the seventh straight World Cup finals appearance for the United States, stretching back to 1990.
The win propelled the Americans to the top of the qualifying table with 16 points, one ahead of Costa Rica.
Honduras are third with 11 points, while Panama sit fourth ahead of Mexico based on their better goal difference. They both have eight points while Jamaica are sixth with four points.
Johnson broke the deadlock in the 49th minute with a header before Donovan doubled the lead in the 78th from close range in front of a crowd of 24,584 at Columbus Crew Stadium.
"It was a tense game and a lot was at stake but everybody was so hungry for this win," said US coach Juergen Klinsmann.
USA goalkeeper Tim Howard made a couple of key saves in the first half to keep the match scoreless before Johnson headed home a Donovan corner just four minutes into the second half. "In the second half we were fantastic," Howard said. "We knew we were going to create chances and we did."
The result stretches the Americans' unbeaten streak at home in World Cup qualifiers to 26 games, while Mexico have lost two straight in qualification.
The top three Concacaf nations qualify for next year's 32-nation event in Brazil. The fourth place finishers will end up in a play-off with New Zealand.
The loss puts Mexico in a precarious position as they face a must-win game against Panama on October 11.
Mexico were playing their first game since coach Chepo de la Torre was replaced by Luis Fernando Tena following last Friday's 2-1 defeat to Honduras at Azteca Stadium.
In Kingston, Randall Brenes opened the scoring in the 75th minute to give Costa Rica a 1-0 lead before Jermaine Anderson tied it for Jamaica in stoppage time.
Honduras were on the verge of taking a huge step towards qualification, but Panama equalised in stoppage time when Gabriel Torres scored his second of the contest.


United States, Costa Rica punch tickets to Brazil

Landon Donovan celebrates his goal against Mexico. Photo: AP

US clinches World Cup berth after beating Mexico

Landon Donovan of the US (right) scores during the World Cup qualifying match against Mexico on Tuesday. Photo: AP 

United States soccer team manager Jurgen Klinsmann. Photo: AP

Mexico soccer team in turmoil ahead of crucial US clash

Mexico's interim coach Luis Fernando Tena, who replaced the sacked Jose Manuel de la Torre, faces a daunting task. Photo: AP

Security tight for US-Costa Rica World Cup qualifier

US coach Juergen Klinsmann warms up prior to his team's practice session in Costa Rica. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

Americans see off Mexico, while a draw in Jamaica is enough for Los Ticos to advance


The Americans advanced by beating Mexico 2-0, while Costa Rica booked their spot after drawing 1-1 with Jamaica. The qualifications were confirmed after Panama drew 2-2 with Honduras later.
