Mexico booked themselves a spot in the final round of qualifications after a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in the World Cup qualifiers.
The play was not always pretty as Costa Rica was ready to stand up to their superior group mates. They ran a speedy counter when given the opportunity and gave keeper Jose Corona some trouble throughout. When they were forced on the defensive, they committed to a solid defensive wall in front of their net. But Mexico would not be denied and played a patient and tactical match to help create opportunities and put Costa Rica off balance. At the hour mark, they finally broke through when Javier Hernandez, nicknames Chicharitto, headed in an astounding cross from Jorge Torres-Nilo.
Hernandez had been getting a bad wrap for his poor form with machester United this season. In game against Costa Rica on Friday, he had shown some flashes of brilliance, but his header against Costa Rica proved his ability to read the play and wait for the opportune moment to strike.
The win puts Mexico at 12 points and essentially makes them untouchable at the top of the group. With the loss and a Salvadorian win, Costa Rica dropped to third place in qualifying and needs desperately to win its final two matches against El Salvador and Guyana. El Salvador and Guyana are in the same boat as Costa Rica and both teams still have to take on Mexico one more time. If Mexico were to lose its two matches and El Salvador won both of their matches, Mexico would still lead the group with 12 to Salvador's 11. Costa Rica can only acquire a maximum of 10 points while Guyana can only reach seven.
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