USA end Trinidad hopes with World Cup qualifying win

Ricardo Clark’s 62nd minute goal lifted the United States to a 1-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, putting the Americans on the verge of securing a 2010 World Cup berth.

The United States now have 16 points with two matches remaining in the six-nation final round of qualifying in the North and Central America and Caribbean zone.

While they are closing in on a trip to the finals in South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago were officially eliminated.

The Americans gained three needed points thanks to Clark’s powerful 30-meter shot, which eluded the outstretched hands of Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Clayton Ince.

The day started with the top four teams – Honduras, the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica – separated by just one point.

Later Wednesday, Mexico hosted Honduras and El Salvador hosted Costa Rica.

El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago, who both started the day on five points, had to win to avoid elimination.

The top three teams advance directly to the World Cup finals in South Africa, while the fourth-placed team plays off for a berth against the fifth-placed team from South America.