Leaders Mexico are on 14 points from six matches, three points
clear of the United States, who beat Costa Rica 2-1. Canada,
bidding to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since
1986, are third on 10 points.
The top three in the eight-team group qualify automatically for
Qatar 2022 with the fourth-placed finisher going into an
intercontinental playoff for another spot.
In San Salvador, Hector Moreno struck 31 minutes into the first
half to put Mexico ahead at Estadio Cuscatlan before Raul
Jimenez added a second in stoppage time.
The flag-waving U.S. crowd in Columbus were stunned when Costa
Rica took the lead in just the second minute when Keysher Fuller
strolled unmarked into the penalty area and bounced a Ronald
Matarrita cross past Zack Steffen.
Sergino Dest equalised in the 25th minute with a left-footed
howitzer that found the top corner and the United States went
ahead in the 66th minute, Tim Weah firing home from close range.
After draws at Mexico and Jamaica in their last two qualifiers,
Canada fell behind at home to Panama early on when Rolando
Blackburn scored after five minutes.
But the Canadians then began to dominate and were rewarded with
an own goal from Panama's Michael Murillo off an Alphonso Davies
corner.
Davies then put Canada ahead in the 66th minute, keeping the
ball in play on the right touchline, weaving his way into the
penalty area around a Panama defender and then coolly finishing
past the flat-footed keeper Luis Mejia.
Goals from Tajon Buchanan and Jonathan David gave the Canadians
the comfortable win.
"We have a strong mindset with this team," said Davies. "He
(coach John Herdman) has a plan and everyone executed the plan
and this just shows the talent we have on this team."
In San Pedro Sula, Kemar Roofe and Oneil Fisher scored to give
Jamaica a 2-0 victory over Honduras, the first win of the
campaign for the 'Reggae Boyz'.
Panama are fourth with eight points followed by Costa Rica on
six, Jamaica and El Salvador on five and Honduras three.
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto. Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
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