Mexico stay unbeaten in final World Cup qualifying round

AGENCY: SEPT. 6 – Midfielder Orbelin Pineda converted a first-half penalty as Mexico clinched a 1-0 victory away to Costa Rica in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier here on Sunday.

Pineda sent goalkeeper Keylor Navas the wrong way with a coolly taken spot-kick after Bryan Oviedo brought down Andres Guardado just before halftime.

Costa Rica looked the better side throughout much of the contest at Estadio Nacional, controlling 51% of possession and having 11 shots on goal compared to nine attempts for the visitors.

But the hosts were unable to find a way past Mexico’s compact defence as Gerardo Martino’s men made it two wins from as many matches in the final round of the Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) qualifiers.

Mexico will conclude their triple-header of qualifiers with an away clash against Panama on Wednesday while Costa Rica are due to host Jamaica the same day.