2002 World Cup: USA 2 Jamaica 1

USA beat Jamaica 2-1 yesterday but still had an agonising 17 minute wait for Trinidad to hold their lead against Honduras to determine whether they had qualified. Trinidad won 1-0 to the delight of the USA, the sponsors and organisers to put the USA through for their fourth consecutive World Cup qualification. Everton striker Joe-Max Moore, the USA's second highest goal scorer, dived to head in a pass from Claudio Reyna just 3 minutes into the game. Jamaica were quick to return however and on the 14th minute James Lawrence trapped a well directed pass on his chest, turned and shot clear and low past Brad Friedel to equalise. Although O'Brien and Reyna kept up the pressure on Jamaica early in the second half, it wasn't until a penalty on the 79th minute that the USA put away the winning goal. Reyna set up a push forward and crossed to Donovan who took it into the penalty area. A rash tackle by substitute and Miami Fusion MLS player, Tyrone Marshall, gave the USA a penalty and a chance for Moore to increase his count. Moore chose his corner and left Jamaican goalkeeper Aaron Lawrence without a chance. For the remaining nrevous minutes of the game, the Jamaicans pushed forward whilst the USA turned defensive to retain their lead. Agoos cleared a strike from Paul Hall 2 minutes from time. It was with great relief that the final whistle was blown. Jamaica now fail to qualify. Mexico can still qualify if they draw or win against Honduras.