In an incredible upset by Trinidad & Tobago, the United States’ 2018 FIFA World Cup aspirations were extinguished as they dropped their final qualifier 2-1 in Couva, Trinidad, whilst Panama and Honduras each earned three points to surpass the U.S. in the Hexagonal standings.
Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe earned a start in the match and notched an assist on the Yanks lone goal, putting in a strong 84-minute performance. A first-half own goal by the United States and 37th minute blast from Alvin Jones’ powered the Soca Warriors. Two minutes into the second, Nagbe hit the ground on a tackle but maintained possession of the ball and laid off a pass to Christian Pulisic. Pulisic cut right, and from 20 yards out, the 19-year-old’s shot went top-shelf, putting the Yanks on the board.
David Guzmán and Costa Rica entered Tuesday night’s match with Panama having already qualified for the 2018 World Cup, but with an opportunity to play spoiler in Los Canaleros’ path to the World Cup. Guzmán went 63 minutes for Los Ticos but Costa Rica fell on an 88th minute game-winner by Panama’s Roman Torres.
On Sunday, Vytas and Lithuania hosted England for a Group F, World Cup qualifying match at LFF Stadium in Vilnius, Lithuania, which they dropped by a final score of 1-0. Vytas started the game, and almost earned an assist in the match, when his fine cross—combined with a English defensive gaffe—nearly resulted in a goal by Darvydas Sernas. The game proved to be decided by a penalty kick earned by Dele Alli, and was slotted home by Harry Kane in the 27th minute.
