WASHINGTON — Canada and Mexico took big steps toward the next phase of World Cup qualification after wins in the CONCACAF region Friday, while Jamaica tasted victory over the United States for the first time. At the half-way stage in the third round of qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean, Mexico is the only team with a 100 percent record after it picked up a third win in three games with a 2-0 victory at Costa Rica in group B. Both Mexican goals came from corners with Carlos Salcido putting ‘El Tri' ahead two minutes before the break and then Jesus Zavala adding the second in the 52nd minute. Jamaica is now outright leader in group A, with seven points, after it came from behind to beat the United States 2-1 and leave the Americans level on four points with Guatemala. Clint Dempsey put the US in front after just 36 seconds but two long-range goals from free-kicks from Rodolph Austin (24) and Luton Shelton (62) kicked off a party at the National Stadium in Kingston. Guatemala suffered a scare against Antigua and Barbuda, falling behind to a Peter Byers goal in the 38th minute but Carlos Ruiz scored twice before Dwight Pezzarossi slid in at the back post in injury time to wrap up a 3-1 win. Canada is the surprise leader in Group C, on seven points, after a Dwayne de Rosario goal gave it a 1-0 win in Toronto over Panama, which is now a point behind the Canadians and two ahead of Honduras. De Rosario's record 20th goal for his country came in the 77th minute, as he reacted to a quick free kick by Atiba Hutchinson to fire past Panama keeper Jaime Penedo. Honduras remains in the chase though after it picked up its first win in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Cuba in Havana - Jerry Bengtson (31), Victor Bernandez (63) and Marvin Chavez (90+2) getting the goals. Guyana's chances of making it to the final six stage of the qualifying competition are remote but it showed signs of its progress with a 2-2 draw in El Salvador. Treyon Bobb equalized twice for Guyana after goals from Isidro Gutierrez and Osael Romero for an El Salvador team which is two points behind Costa Rica in group B. Friday's fixtures will now be reversed for Tuesday's return games. — Agencies
