Stern John’s goal keeps TT alive

PANAMA CITY: Stern John’s second half strike led Trinidad and Tobago to a 1-0 victory over Panama on Saturday night and kept their hopes alive in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying series. John scored in the 62nd minute and with the win, Trinidad and Tobago moved into fourth place in the standings, two points ahead of fifth-positioned Guatemala. “I know you think I miss too many chances before I score, but football is 90 minutes and the score at the end of it is what matters,” John said after the game. Mexico and the United States had already qualified for the 2006 World Cup, and Costa Rica claimed the third berth on Saturday by beating the Americans at home. CONCACAF’s fourth-place team — Trinidad and Tobago or Guatemala — will face either Bahrain or Uzbekistan in a two-game play-off that will decide another qualifier for the finals next year.

John, the 28-year-old who plays for Derby County in England, made no mistake shooting home from inside the box after coach Leo Beenhakker had introduced Kenwyne Jones who was heavily involved in the play leading to the goal. Panama threatened too and pressured T&T, particularly in the first half. John also missed a close chance after the break. T&T are returning home to face the confederation giants Mexico at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Wednesday. A win will guarantee TT the fourth place finish, but any other result could see them ousted by Guatemala if the Central Americans get a favourable score against Costa Rica.

TT coach Beenhakker is anxious to see his side do well against the Mexicans on Wednesday after their good result Saturday night. “It’s a good win for us. Let’s get it on against the Mexicans now,” Beenhakker said. Heading into the last round of matches, Mexico lead with 22 points, followed by the USA (19) and Costa Rica (16). Trinidad and Tobago are fourth on 10 points, with Guatemala (eight) fifth and Panama (two) in sixth. (CMC)