USA almost there
AFP, Washington
The United States can make sure of their place in the final round of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup if they beat Panama on Wednesday after defeating El Salvador 2-0 on Saturday. The win kept Bruce Arena's team on top of CONCACAF Group One with eight points from four matches, three ahead of Jamaica and Panama. The USA victory in San Salvador came courtesy of goals from Brian McBride, his 26th international goal, and Ed Johnson, who scored on his debut. In Panama City, Theodore Whitmore hit a 73rd minute equaliser to give Jamaica a 1-1 draw with Panama for whom Roberto Brown had opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. In Group Two, Costa Rica kept their hopes of qualifying for the six-nation final round next year with a 5-0 crushing of previously unbeaten Guatemala in San Jose with former Manchester City striker Paulo Wanchope hitting a hat-trick. Honduras and Canada fought out a 1-1 draw in the day's other match.
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