Plucky Panama held to draw with Mexico

PANAMA was held to a goalless draw with Mexico at the Rommel Fernandez Stadium on Friday June 7, in a World Cup qualifying game in the CONCACAF region.

Mexico will be disappointed with their fourth draw in five games but Panama are proving to be the surprise package in the group.

The Panamanian crowd were in a festive mood at the start of the game and were treated to a great performance by the boys in red against a team they have never beaten but they have a tough time ahead of them if they are to qualify for the trip to Brazil next year.
There were few chances but Panama went the closest in the second half when, from a corner, striker Blas Perez fired through the crowded penalty area but Mexico keeper Jesus Corona got down well.
Costa Rica and the United States earned crucial wins. 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 them to the top spot. The United States were 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.
The Americans took the lead on the half hour with a thundering header from Jozy Altidore who met a beautifully delivered Graham Zusi cross.
But the Reggae Boyz looked to have snatched a point with a Jermaine Beckford header in the 89th minute before Evans slotted home after being set up by Michael Bradley.
Costa Rica (seven points) lead on goal difference from the United States (seven) while Mexico also have seven points although they have played one more game.
Panama (6), Honduras (4) and Jamaica (2) complete the bottom half.
Panama, who have never reached a World Cup finals, travel to Seattle on Tuesday to face the United States. Costa Rica and the United States earned crucial wins
Mexico host Costa Rica while Jamaica travel to Honduras.