At halftime of their final World Cup qualifier, Mexico are tied up with Costa Rica, 1-1. If that result holds, they will have no chance to qualify for the World Cup directly, but they will also need no help to make the playoff. Regardless of the outcome of other games, Mexico can do no better or worse than a playoff spot with a draw.
Mexico vs. Panama, 2014 World Cup qualifying: Halftime scenario update
Honduras, the team Mexico are chasing for the final automatic qualifying spot, lead Jamaica 2-1 at halftime. The two sides traded goals in the first three minutes, but Maynor Figueroa put Los Catrachos on top in the 31st minute. If current results hold, Honduras would not only qualify directly for the World Cup, but move past Costa Rica into second place.
Panama are doing their part, as they lead the United States, 1-0. They need Mexico to lose to beat them to the playoff spot, and will probably not need any help in terms of goals scored unless things get crazy. Currently, Panama are two goals behind Mexico on goal differential, but have more goals scored. A one-goal win for them and a one-goal loss for Mexico will be sufficient unless Mexico lose in an absolute shootout and make up their two-goal deficit in goals scored.
Standings as of halftime, if results hold
In the World Cup
1. United States - 19 points
2. Honduras - 17 points
3. Costa Rica - 16 points
In an intercontinental playoff with New Zealand
4. Mexico - 12 points
Out
5. Panama - 11 points
6. Jamaica - 4 points
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