United States fails to qualify for 2018 World Cup after loss in Trinidad
The United States has failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.The U.S. lost 2-1 to Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday night while both Honduras and Panama won their games to pass the Americans in the CONCACAF standings.
Panama found a goal in the 87th minute to beat Costa Rica 2-1 to earn the region's final automatic qualifying spot, while Honduras advanced to the intercontinental playoff against Australia while dooming the U.S.
Panama finished in third place in the CONCACAF Hexagonal table with 13 points from 10 games, ahead of Honduras on goal difference, while the U.S. ended with 12.
"We failed on the day. No excuses," U.S. coach Bruce Arena said. "We failed today. We should have walked off this field with at least a point."
Trinidad got on the scoreboard first when Omar Gonzalez deflected a 17th-minute cross that looped over Tim Howard and into the U.S. goal.
It was 2-0 in the 36th minute when Alvin Jones smashed a swerving shot from the right flank past Howard to give the hosts a 2-0 advantage at the break.
Christian Pulisic gave the U.S. the perfect start to the second half, firing home from just outside the penalty area just after kickoff to make it 2-1.
The U.S. frantically chased another goal in the closing minutes, but it never came, which means Arena's team is the first American group since 1986 to not make the World Cup.
"It's a blemish for us," Arena said. "We should not be staying at home for this World Cup. And I take responsibility."
Panama fell behind at home against Costa Rica before pulling out a 2-1 win.
Johan Venegas' goal gave Costa Rica, which secured its qualification on Friday night, a lead in the 36th minute.
Panama needed a victory after falling 4-0 to the U.S. on Friday, and they got the result as Gabriel Torres equalized in the 52nd minute before Roman Torres became a national hero by scoring the winner three minutes from time.
In Honduras, Oribe Peralta opened the scoring for Mexico in the 17th minute, slotting home a Raul Jimenez assist to put his team up 1-0.
Alberth Ellis pulled Honduras level in the 34th minute, sweeping home at the back post from a set piece, but Mexico would restore its advantage before the break with Carlos Vela scoring after Hector Herrera played him through.
An own goal from Guillermo Ochoa put Honduras back on level terms early in the second half, after a Jimenez strike almost doubled the lead for Mexico, who have long since qualified.
And minutes later, the hosts took the lead through Romell Quioto, who smashed home from a Jorge Claros assist to make it 3-2 in favour of Honduras and send the home crowd into a frenzy.
http://www.espnfc.com/united-states/story/3226130/united-states-fails-to-qualify-for-2018-world-cup-after-loss-in-trinidad
