The United States qualified for the World Cup finals after second-half goals from Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan gave them a 2-0 home win over Mexico on Tuesday.
With Honduras drawing 2-2 with Panama and Costa Rica held to a 1-1 draw in Jamaica, the Americans stand on top of the CONCACAF standings on 16 points with two games to go.
Costa Rica, who also qualified, are on 15 points with Honduras on 11 points still fighting for the third automatic qualification spot.
The defeat leaves Mexico deep in trouble as they are in fifth place, level on eight points with Panama and with only a slim chance of making third place.
Czech Bilek quits
Czech coach Michal Bilek has resigned following his side’s 2-1 loss to Italy in a World Cup qualifier that all but ended the country’s chances of reaching next year’s finals.
The Czechs have endured a stuttering qualifying campaign under Bilek, beating only Malta and Armenia as they struggled to find the net for a majority of their Group B games.
“I have not met the goal we have set for ourselves and... I offer my resignation,” Bilek said.
Bilek was never popular with fans due to a string of unconvincing results and conservative tactics.
Mertesacker wants improvement
Germany defender Per Mertesacker has called for improvements to be made despite Tuesday’s 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands which put Joachim Loew’s side on the brink of World Cup finals qualification.
The win came after a workmanlike performance, which caused Mertesacker to demand a more decisive performance.
“We knew it would not be easy in the Faroe Islands and on artificial turf,” Mertesacker said.
“In the decisive moments, how we played in attack was not so consistent.
“We must do better.”
Coleman vows not to leave Wales
Chris Coleman insists he is still the right man to lead Wales after they slumped to the bottom of Group A with a 3-0 defeat to Serbia in Cardiff.
The Dragons were booed off at the final whistle, but Coleman has no intention of stepping aside, and fully expects to sign the two-year contract extension he has agreed with the Football Association of Wales.
“I have every intention of leading this side into the next qualification campaign,” he said.
“We have two wins out of eight, which is not good but I am still excited about the group we could have available.
“The next campaign will be a better one.”
Juventus: Buffon here to stay
Juventus expect Gianluigi Buffon to remain at the club for the rest of his playing days.
The Italy number one received a standing ovation in Tuesday’s 2-1 triumph over the Czech Republic in Turin after he equalled the record of 136 international appearances set by former Azzurri captain Fabio Cannavaro.
“Buffon is a true champion,” Juventus club administrator Giuseppe Marotta told reporters yesterday.
“He is a superlative professional and deserves this recognition.
“My hope and wish is that he can defend Italy and Juve’s goal for many years to come.”
Bologna chief ready to sell up
Bologna owner Albano Guaraldi is ready to listen to offers to sell the Serie A club.
Guaraldi has endured a tumultuous relationship with the club’s fans and admitted he regrets buying the club in the first place.
“If the right offer comes along, I’m ready to step down,” Guaraldi said in Gazzetta dello Sport.
“If I could go back I probably wouldn’t make the same decision to buy a majority stake in the club.
“Really, if a serious buyer comes along, I’m ready to sell Bologna.”
Juan Jesus hails Mazzarri impact
Inter defender Juan Jesus has hailed the impact of Walter Mazzarri, saying the new coach is helping him to develop into a better player.
“I’m growing with every training session and game thanks to Mazzarri,” the Brazilian told Inter Channel.
“He is teaching me so much, both defensively and offensively – I can only thank him.”
Mazzarri has adopted his trademark three-man defence at Inter, but Juan isn’t assured of a first-team place.
“The competition for places is good,” the Brazilian said.
“There is Marco Andreolli, Andrea Ranocchia, Walter Samuel, Hugo Campagnaro.
“It’s just a shame that (the injured) Cristian Chivu isn’t here as he has a lot of quality.”