Soccer-U.S. rout hapless Cuba, Jamaica stun Mexico

By Brian Homewood

BUENOS AIRES, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Sven-Goran Eriksson's Mexico slumped to a 1-0 defeat in Jamaica in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday while the United States routed Cuba 6-1 after their opponents reportedly suffered two defections before the game.

The U.S. win guaranteed them a place in the final stage of the CONCACAF region's qualifying tournament next year and they were joined by Costa Rica, who won 4-1 in Suriname.

Honduras boosted their chances with a 3-1 win over Canada and Trinidad & Tobago held out for a goalless draw in Guatemala, despite having Cyd Gray sent off before halftime for a second bookable offence.

Mexico, who have often struggled on their visits to the Caribbean, were beaten by a 14th minute Ricardo Fuller goal in Kingston.

"The boys stuck to the game plan and it worked well for us," said Jamaica's interim coach Theodore Whitmore, brought in after Rene Simoes was fired last month.

Mexico are second in Group Two with nine points from four games and are level on points with leaders Honduras.

Jamaica, despite their win, are a further five points behind.

Carlos Costly and Hendry Thomas scored in the last half hour for Honduras, who were missing striker David Suazo through injury.