Stoppage time goals by Aron Johannsson and Graham Zusi turned a defeat in Panama into a late 2-3 victory for the United States Men’s side.
Mexicans celebrated when the US scored
The celebrations could be heard all the way to Mexico City though as the goals saved Mexico’s World Cup campaign.
They were facing exit if Panama won. When Luis Tejada put the hosts 2-1 up in the 83rd minute, Mexico were seven minutes away from a humiliating exit.
However the turnabout of events in Panama saved them 4th place and a play-off match with New Zealand who won the Oceanic region qualifiers.
Panama had already taken the lead once before. In the 18th minute, Colorado Rapids forward Gabriel Torres had taken advantage of a turnover by Edgar Castillo. They held it for 46 minutes until Houston’s Brad Davis whipped in one of his trademark corner kicks for Michael Orozco to convert, possibly via a Carlos Rodriguez deflection.
Then came the three late goals with Zusi scoring for the second international running.
Mexico had lost again, 2-1 to Costa Rica with Real Salt Lake’s Alvaro Saborio netting the winner. FC Dallas’ Je-Vaughn Watson scored twice for Jamaica in their 2-2 draw with Honduras, for whom Maynor Figueroa and Carlos Costly netted.
| Team | GP | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts. |
| USA | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 8 | +7 | 22 |
| Costa Rica | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 13 | 7 | +6 | 18 |
| Honduras | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 12 | +1 | 15 |
| Mexico | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 11 |
| Panama | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 14 | -4 | 8 |
| Jamaica | 10 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 5 |
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