USA, Costa Rica clinch World Cup spots

The USA and Costa Rica punched their tickets to the World Cup with a victory and a draw in CONCACAF regional qualifying.
The Americans advanced by beating Mexico 2-0 while Costa Rica booked their spot after drawing 1-1 with Jamaica yesterday.
The qualifications were confirmed after Panama drew 2-2 with Honduras later Tuesday.
Goals from Eddie Johnson and Donovan fired the Americans to victory over their fierce regional rivals.
"It is pretty special," said Donovan. "I am proud of this team and proud of the hard work. Everyone deserves it so much."
It is the seventh straight World Cup finals appearance for the United States stretching back to 1990.

The win propelled the Americans to the top of the qualifying table with 16 points, one ahead of Costa Rica.

Honduras is third with 11 points while Panama sits fourth ahead of Mexico based on their better goals scored differential. They both have eight points while Jamaica is sixth with four points.
Johnson broke the deadlock in the 49th minute with a header before Donovan doubled the lead in the 78th from close range in front of a crowd of 24,584 at Columbus Crew Stadium.
"It was a tense game and a lot was at stake but everybody was so hungry for this win," said American coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

USA goalkeeper Tim Howard made a pair of key saves in the first half to keep the match scoreless before Johnson headed home a Donovan corner just four minutes into the second half.
"In the second half we were fantastic," Howard said. "We knew we were going to create chances and we did.