Late strike lifts US in World cup qualifying

KINGSTON: Brad Evans' goal in injury time lifted the United States to a 2-1 triumph over Jamaica on Friday in the final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Jurgen Klinsmann's US team snatched three crucial points thanks to the last-gasp goal from Evans, which came three minutes after Jermaine Beckford appeared to salvage a draw for Jamaica with an 89th minute equalizer.

Jozy Altidore had put the United States ahead 1-0 in the 30th minute.

Off a corner kick, Michael Bradley beat a Jamaican defender and found Seattle Sounders defender Evans, who turned and fired the ball into Donovan Ricketts' net.

The victory gives the United States seven points, level with Costa Rica and Mexico atop the six-nation final qualifying group, although the USA and Costa Rica have a game in hand.

Costa Rica notched a 1-0 victory over Honduras in San Jose on Friday courtesy of Roy Miller's 25th-minute strike, while Mexico played to a goalless draw against Panama in Panama City.

The top three teams will advance to next year's World Cup finals in Brazil, with the fourth-place team playing New Zealand for another berth. (AFP)