Sep 7, 2008 - 12:40 AM
0 shoutsHAVANA, Cuba (Ticker) -- Political differences aside, the United States and Cuban men's national soccer teams remained worlds apart on Saturday.
Clint Dempsey scored in the 40th minute to propel the Americans to a convincing 1-0 triumph over the communist-run island in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Estadio Pedro Marrero.
Ranked 28th in the world and vying for its sixth consecutive World Cup, the United States was making its first trip to Cuba since a 5-2 exhibition loss in 1947. Overall, the Americans are 6-1-1 with four shutouts against Cuba.
The United States, which won its third straight road qualifier and claimed the lead in Group One with six points, clearly held the better of play and finally broke through in the 40th minute.
Dempsey accepted a feed from Brian Ching at the top of the penalty box, took three steps to his right before blasting a shot across his body which sailed past goalkeeper Odelin Molina and just inside the left post.
"Cuba did a good job of responding after their first game. It meant a lot to them and as a result it was a tight game," United States coach Bob Bradley said. "I thought once again we dealt well with some difficult conditions and came away with a good result. We've played in two tough games on the road now and have six points, putting ourselves in a very good position going into the match against Trinidad & Tobago on Wednesday."
Goalkeeper Tim Howard, who was hardly tested throughout much of the contest, finished with three saves - including a stellar one in the 88th minute to preserve the shutout.
Howard pushed aside Yeniel Marquez's header that had deflected off the shin off American defender Carlos Bocanegra and looked destined for the lower right corner.
"They've got a lot of pride and of course this was never going to be easy for us," Howard said.
In other World Cup qualifiers, Carlos Gallardo netted the equalizer as Guatemala recorded a 1-1 draw with Trinidad & Tobago.
Keon Daniel scored for Trinidad & Tobago with six minutes left on the clock.
In Mexico City, Mexico eased to a 3-0 win over Jamaica to top Group Two.
After just three minutes, a free-kick from Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Andres Guardado handed Sven Goran Eriksson's side the initiative.
Mexico doubled its lead 15 minutes before the break as Jamaican goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts could only punch Pavel Pardo's long range shot and Fernando Arce pounced on the rebound.
In the second half, defender Jhonny Magallon sealed the victory as Mexico maintained its perfect record.
"Jamaica only had one shot," Eriksson said. "We controlled the match and played well, so we deserved the result.
"But we can't celebrate because we have to prepare for the upcoming match against Canada."
Also in Group Two, Canada suffered a 2-1 defeat at home against Honduras.
FC Dallas defender Adrian Serioux put the hosts ahead in the first half, but Milton Nunez's brace helped Honduras pick up its first three points to move into second place behind Mexico.
Finally, Costa Rica moved to the top of Group Three after easing to a 7-0 win over Surinam.
Froylan Ledezma scored twice, while Alejandro Alpizar, Freddy Fernandes, Bryan Ruiz, Alonso Solis and Celso Borges netted for Costa Rica, who maintained its perfect record to sit three points clear of El Salvador, which recorded a 5-0 triumph over Haiti.
