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CONCACAF Round-Up

Image: Bradley celebrates his opener

USA, Costa Rica and Mexico continued their 100 per cent records in CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

Trio maintain their perfect starts

USA, Costa Rica and Mexico continued their 100 per cent records in CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Sven Goran Eriksson's Mexico sit at the top of Group Two with maximum points following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Canada. Omar Bravo came off the bench to break the deadlock just before the hour mark and Barcelona star Rafael Marquez doubled the lead on 72 minutes. Ali Gerba pulled a goal back for Canada five minutes later, but Mexico held on to take all three points. In the other game in the group Honduras kept up the pressure on Mexico with a 2-0 victory over Jamaica. Second half goals from Ramon Nunez (60) and Amado Guevara's 73rd minute penalty proved to be enough for the home side.

USA march on

USA made it three wins out of three with a comfortable 3-0 success over Trinidad & Tobago. Michael Bradley opened the scoring for the hosts on ten minutes and Fulham forward Clint Dempsey added a second eight minutes later. Brian Ching made the game safe with America's third just before the hour mark. Guatemala moved level with Trinidad & Tobago in second spot in Group 1 with a convincing 4-1 win over Cuba. Cuba stunned the home side by going in front on 24 minutes courtesy of Roberto Linares' goal. Guatemala hit back and two goals from all-time top scorer Carlos Ruiz (37 & 54) either side of half-time turned the game on its head. Late strikes from Mario Rodriguez (85) and Jorge Contreras (90) in the last five minutes put the game beyond Cuba. Costa Rica lead the way in Group Three after a 3-1 success over Haiti. Brian Ruiz gave Costa Rica the lead on 17 minutes only for Alain Vubert to draw Haiti level seven minutes before the break. Ruiz restored Los Ticos' lead on 72 minutes and Alejandro Alpizar's late goal four minutes from time sealed the victory. El Salvador boosted their hopes of qualifying in the other game in the group, dispensing of Suriname 2-0. The visitors got off to a dream start with Shawn Martin finding the net after only two minutes and an unfortunate Marlon Felter own goal ten minutes later doubled the advantage. Results: Surinam 0-2 El Salvador Haiti 1-3 Costa Rica USA 3-0 Trinidad and Tobago Mexico 2-1 Canada Honduras 2-0 Jamaica Guatemala 4-1 Cuba