USA, Mexico, Costa Rica continue march toward SA football WC 2010

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CHICAGO, Sept 11 (AFP): The United States, Mexico and Costa Rica remained unbeaten in the semi-final phase of regional World Cup qualifying Wednesday, continuing their march toward South Africa 2010.
The United States stretched their lead atop Group 1 with a 3-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago.
Mexico, bidding farewell to striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco, downed Canada 2-1 in Tuxtla Gutierrez to consolidate their position atop Group 2, while Group 3 leaders Costa Rica beat hosts Haiti 3-1 in Port-au-Prince.
The United States, which opened the semi-final phase with away victories over Guatemala and Cuba, won their first home fixture thanks to goals from Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Brian Ching.
The United States have yet to surrender a goal, and with nine points from three matches are virtually assured of reaching the final "hexagonal" phase of qualifying.
They pulled five points clear of Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala in Group 1.
Guatemala joined Trinidad on four points with a 4-1 win over Cuba in Guatemala City.
Roberto Linares put Cuba ahead in the 24th minute, but Guatemala top scorer Carlos Ruiz nabbed a brace of goals in the 37th and 54th. Mario Rodriguez (87) and Jorge Contreras (90) added one apiece to complete the scoring.
The top two teams in each of the three groups advance to the final phase. From there, three teams advance to the finals in South Africa, while the fourth-placed finisher plays off for a berth against a team from South America.
Bradley and Dempsey got the USA off to a quick start.
Bradley struck first, firing home a free kick lofted from the left by Landon Donovan in the ninth minute.