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Sports

United States miss out on World Cup

October 11, 2017

The United States will not travel to the 2018 World Cup in Russia after losing their final World Cup qualifier. The Americans hand their ticket over to Panama, a team they defeated convincingly last week.

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Fußball Länderspiel USA - Guatemala
Image: Getty Images/J. Sabau

The United States lost to Trinidad and Tobago in Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on Thursday.

The result opened the door for Panama and Honduras to advance towards World Cup qualification from CONCACAF – North and Central America's football confederation. Panama defeated Costa Rica 2-1 to capture their first ever qualification for the World Cup, and Honduras defeated Mexico 3-2 to clinch a spot in the intercontinental playoff spot.

The US needed just a draw in Couva to qualify for the World Cup automatically because their goal difference was superior to both Panama's and Honduras'. Instead, the Americans will not participate in a World Cup for the first time in 1986.

"We have no excuses - we failed today," US coach Bruce Arena, who took over for Jürgen Klinsmann a year ago, told reporters after the game. "We should have walked off this field with at least a point."

The United States fell behind early in the first half after an own goal from defender Omar Gonzalez. Alvin Jones scored a second to give Trinidad and Tobago a 2-0 halftime lead. Christian Pulisic got the US on the scoresheet right after the break, but the Americans failed to add another to get the result they needed.

Honduras will play Australia in the two-legged intercontinental playoff in November.

dv (AP, dpa)