Canada took another step toward making their first World Cup since 1986, beating Cuba 3-0 on Friday and solidifying their position in Group C of CONCACAF's World Cup Qualifying. Canada got a first-half goal from Tosaint Ricketts and then put the game away with goals from Will Johnson and David Edgar.
2014 World Cup Qualifying, CONCACAF Roundup: Canada takes another step forward
Canada thumped Cuba, while Costa Rica kept their hopes of making the hexagon alive with a win over El Salvador.
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Canada now sits even on points with group leader Panama, who tied Honduras. Canada would secure qualification into the hexagonal with a tie against Honduras on Oct. 16.
Cuba came to Canada with 15 players, but only managed to dress 11 after several players “left the team” and another was reportedly sick. Their night got even worse when they went down to 10 men in the 70th minute when Roberto Linares was shown a red card for a reckless challenge.
Shortly after Linares’ ejection, the Canadians opened up the game. Johnson scored in the 72nd minute and Edgar followed with a strike six minutes later.
Guatemala 2, Jamaica 1: Carlos Figueroa gave Guatemala an early lead with a 16th minute goal and Carlos Ruiz scored the game-winner in the 85th minute. The win keeps Guatemala at the top of their group and means they'll punch their ticket into the hex with a tie against the United States on Tuesday. Jamaica got a goal from Luton Shelton and would need quite a bit of help to advance.
Costa Rica 1, El Salvador 0: The Ticos kept their World Cup hopes alive, getting a 31st minute from Jose Cubero. Costa Rica leap-frogged El Salvador to move into second place in Group B.
Panama 0, Honduras 0: The darlings of CONCACAF are suddenly in danger of missing out on the hexagonal after their scoreless tie. Los Catrachos will need to beat Canada on Oct. 16 to punch their ticket. Panama could get through with as little as a tie against Cuba.
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