Guatemala plays Trinidad and Tobago to goal-less draw

Guatemala played Trinidad and Tobago to a goal-less draw in a North American qualifying match for World Cup 2010 in South Africa, leaving both teams deadlocked in points with two matches remaining.

The draw ensured the unbeaten United States, which routed Cuba 6-1 on Saturday, of winning Group A with 12 points and left Guatemala level with Trinidad and Tobago on 1-1 with two drawn for five points.

Guatemala has the goal difference tie-breaker edge on the Caribbean squad, plus-2 to minus-1. But Guatemala must visit Cuba and the US team while Trinidad and Tobago will meet both at home to conclude the round-robin qualifier.

The top two teams in each of three groups advance to the final phase next year, which determines three teams for the finals in South Africa while the fourth-place finisher plays off for a berth against a South American team.

The US team will play at Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday when Guatemala will play at Cuba, which kept a slim chance of advancing as a result of the draw. The final match will be next month.