Costa Ricans rip US for World Cup lead

Alvario Saborio and Selso Borges scored early goals to give Costa Rica a 3-1 victory over the United States here, putting the Ticos atop North America’s World Cup 2010 qualifying.

Costa Rica improved to 3-1 for nine points in the North and Central America and Caribbean region (CONCACAF) to move past the Americans, who slid to 2-1-1 for seven points to stand second in the six-nation hexagonal qualifying event.

The top three teams advance directly to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. The fourth-place team must come through against the fifth-best from South America in a playoff to reach South Africa.

The Americans suffered their sixth loss in a row at Costa Rica, the longest US road losing streak to any foe, and remained winless on the artificial turf of Saprissa Stadium, known for rowdy supporters fenced off near the pitch.

The Ticos seized the lead in the opening seconds when Saborio sent the ball high and bent it around diving US goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Saborio netted the second-fastest goal ever allowed by the US lineup in a World Cup qualifier, the only faster being a header in the first minute by Carlos Hermosillio in a 2-2 draw with Mexico from 1997.

Borges took a pass from Esteban Sirias and blasted the ball into the net in the 12th minute to double the hosts’ edge.

Pablo Herrera put the finishing touches on the rout in the 68th minute as the margin matched the 3-0 drubbing suffered by the US team in 2005 in their most recent prior visit to Costa Rica.

Landon Donovan averted a shutout with a penalty kick in the second minute of stoppage time, netting the first US goal in Costa Rica since 2000 with a right-footed blast.

Adding to the Americans’ woes was a yellow card on US midfielder Michael Bradley in the 55th minute, one that will keep him out Saturday against Honduras in Chicago in the next qualifying match.

US forward Brian Ching had a hamstring injury and missed the match, which was brought forward one week to allow the Americans to prepare for and play in the FIFA Confederations Cup later this month in South Africa.

Qualifying matches continue Saturday when Costa Rica will visit Trinidad and Tobago, the US squad plays host to Honduras and Mexico will travel to El Salvador.