Tinto makes history as Mexico edge Warriors

Costa Rica lead qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean with 12 points, two ahead of the United States. Neither played on Wednesday.

Honduras are next with seven points, followed by Mexico (6), El Salvador (5) and Trinidad and Tobago (2). The top three advance automatically to the World Cup finals. The No 4 plays the fifth-place team from South American for another berth.

“Nobody is relaxed, neither those on the team or those on the outside,” said Mexico coach Javier Aguirre, who took over in April after Sven-Goran Eriksson was fired.

“It’s not ideal to have taken just six of 15 possible points. That’s not even half. We hope we’re better in the second half of campaign and reach the World Cup.”

Mexico’s next game is August 12 against the United States at Aztec Stadium, where the Americans have never beaten Mexico.

Guillermo Franco opened the scoring for Mexico in the first minute at Aztec Stadium, chipping a shot over Trinidad goalkeeper Clayton Ince as he came out in an attempt to claim the ball.

Hayden Tinto equalised for Trinidad in first-half injury time, driving a shot from 16 yards (metres) over the head of Mexico keeper Oscar Perez, who was caught flat-footed by Tinto as he crossed the 18-yard (metre) line.

It was the first scored by Trinidad and Tobago against Mexico at the Azteca in a World Cup Qualifier.

Mexico found the winner when Franco laid the ball back to Rojas, who took a touch before launching a long-range drive into the top corner.

Mexico dominated the first half and should have scored two or three more goals, with Andres Guardado and Castillo wasting chances in the third and fifth minutes, and Franco forcing a good save from Ince shortly after.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco almost scored with a header in the 36th, but his effort from a tight angle was saved comfortably.

Trinidad and Tobago threatened a minute later when Keon Daniel’s cross forced Perez to grab the ball on his second attempt as it almost rolled over the goal line.

Lacking the second goal needed to calm nerves, Mexico’s anxiety grew as the half wore on.

Franco and Blanco blew opportunities in the 38th and 44th minutes, and the wasteful finishing was punished when Tinto intercepted an Andres Guardado pass, advanced into the box and shot past Perez into the top corner.

Despite taking the lead, Mexico again failed to put the game away. Miguel Sabah shot wide with a low effort soon after the goal and Blanco had the best opportunity of the second half, but his attempt was diverted by Ince.

Lineups:

MEXICO: Oscar Perez, Francisco Rodriguez, Ricardo Osorio, Carlos

Salcido, Oscar Rojas, Andres Guardado, Israel Castro, Carlos Esquivel (Alberto Medina 52), Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Guillermo Franco (Giovani Dos Santos 77), Nery Castillo (Miguel Sabah 34).

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Clayton Ince, Makan Hislop, Marvin AndrewS, Radanfa Abu Bakr , Chris Birchall, Trent Noel, Keon Daniel, Hayden Tinto, Carlos Edwards, Dwight Yorke, Kenwyne Jones (Devon Jorsling 53).

Referee: Jose Benigno (Honduras). (AP)