2002 World Cup - Costa Rica 2 US 0
First Published: Sep 06, 2001Costa Rica are the first nation from CONCACAF to reach the 2002 World Cup finals after a 2-0 win over the US in San Jose.
Two Rolando Fonseca goals handed the US their third defeat in a row and assured his team of at least a top three finish.
The US have now dropped to fourth behind Mexico on goal difference with Honduras in second place.
The visitors came for a draw after a series pf injuries which have depleted Bruce Arena's squad.
But this tactic failed in the 39th minute when Fonseca was fouled on a run to goal by defender Carlos Llamosa which the striker converted himself with a placed shot after Guatemalan referee awarded the spot kick.
Fonseca hit his second in the 68th minute on the break when he finished on the run to send the ball into the net off the right post past goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
The US host Jamaica next month and then travel to Trinidad and Tobago and need a win in each match to reach the finals.
All Content is Copyright © 2001 WorldSoccerNews.com. All rights reserved. This material is intended solely for personal use. Any other reproduction, publication or redistribution of this material without the written agreement of the copyright owner is strictly forbidden and any breach of copyright will be considered actionable. 2001