MIAMI — Costa Rica and the United States earned crucial wins in their World Cup qualifying games in the CONCACAF region Friday while Mexico was held to a goalless draw at dogged Panama. Roy Millers' 25th minute header, after Honduras keeper Noel Valladares parried out a Celso Borges free-kick, was enough to give Costa Rica a 1-0 victory in San Jose which moved it to the top spot. Costa Rica (seven points) leads on goal difference from the US (seven), while Mexico also has seven points although it has played one more game. Panama (6), Honduras (4) and Jamaica (2) complete the bottom half. The US was lucky to be part of the leading trio after Brad Evans struck in injury time to give Juergen Klinsmann's team a 2-1 win in Kingston against Jamaica. Mexico will be disappointed with its fourth draw in five games but Panama is proving to be the surprise package in the group. — Agencies
