Mexico keeps World Cup hopes alive thanks to rival USA's late win

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SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) - Mexico will contest a two-game playoff to qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil after a dramatic finish to CONCACAF qualifying on Tuesday in which the United States came to Mexico's rescue. Mexico lost 2-1 at Costa Rica while Panama was leading the U.S. 2-1 until late in the game. Had Panama held on for a win, it would have moved above Mexico into the playoff-yielding fourth spot in the group, but the U.S. scored two late goals to win 3-2, and Mexico clung on. Mexico will face Oceania champion New Zealand in the playoff for a spot in Brazil. Costa Rica took a 26th minute lead through Brian Ruiz. Oribe Peralta equalized for Mexico in the 29th, but Alvaro Saborio scored the winner in the 64th.

Oct. 16, 2013, 1:15 AM EDT / Source: NBC Sports

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) - Mexico will contest a two-game playoff to qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil after a dramatic finish to CONCACAF qualifying on Tuesday in which the United States came to Mexico's rescue.

Mexico lost 2-1 at Costa Rica while Panama was leading the U.S. 2-1 until late in the game.

Had Panama held on for a win, it would have moved above Mexico into the playoff-yielding fourth spot in the group, but the U.S. scored two late goals to win 3-2, and Mexico clung on.

Mexico will face Oceania champion New Zealand in the playoff for a spot in Brazil.

Costa Rica took a 26th minute lead through Brian Ruiz. Oribe Peralta equalized for Mexico in the 29th, but Alvaro Saborio scored the winner in the 64th.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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