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Still in first Costa Rica beats Trinidad 2-0 in World Cup qualifier
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) -- Continuing its dominance in World Cup qualifying, Costa Rica beat Trinidad 2-0 Saturday in Port-of-Spain to stay at first place in the CONCACAF group. The win almost assured Costa Rica a place in the 2002 World Cup. Ronald Gomez scored both of Costa Rica's goals in the first half at Hasely Crawford Stadium. The first goal came in the 5th minute, when Walter Centeno passed to Gomez, who was just in front of the goal. Gomez was left undefended and he easily controlled the pass and shot the ball past goalie Shaka Hislop. In the 34th minute, Gomez took a shot from the top of the penalty area that appeared to be going wide of the goal, but it deflected off the leg of Trinidadian player Cyd Gray and went in just inside of the goal post. The Central American midfielders kept up an efficient passing game, keeping the ball in their possession through most of the half and patiently pursuing advances toward the Trinidadian goal. Trinidad had virtually no goal opportunities in the first half, but appeared to come to life in the second half, when they managed to apply some pressure. Gary Glasgow, who came on in the 60th minute, was Trinidad's best player. The Kansas City Wizards striker got behind the defense on two occasions, dribbling near the goal line, but he was unable to get off a shot. His teammates failed to provide him with a good passing target. With the win, and the United States' (4-1-2) loss on Saturday against Honduras in Washington D.C., Costa Rica (5-1-1) is alone at first place and is almost assured a place in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea. The three teams in the six-team round-robin play will qualify. Honduras (3-2-2) is in third place. Trinidad (0-1-6) already was in last place. The team was playing Saturday without star Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke, who has said he retired from international play after repeated feuds with coach Rene Simoes. Lineups: TRINIDAD: Shaka Hislop, Dale Saunders, Marvin Andrews (Kenyo Thomas 70), Cyd Gray, Avery John, Arnold Dwarika, Stern John, Anton Pierre, Nigel Pierre (Gary Glasgow 60), Addison Belfon, Autis Whiteley (Brent Rahim 45). COSTA RICA: Erick Lonnis, Stephen Bryce, Carlos Castro (Wilmer Lopez 66), Walter Centeno (William Sunsing 75), Gervais Drummond Jervis Drumond, Rolando Fonseca (Herman Medford 60), Ronald Gomez, Gilberto Martinez, Luis Marin, Mauricio Solis, Reynaldo Parks.
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