PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Goals by Eddie Johnson and Eddie Lewis Wednesday gave the United States a 2-1 win over Trinidad & Tobago to open the final round of World Cup qualifying.
Three countries from the six-nation final group in the North American region will earn a spot in next year's World Cup -- to be held in Germany.
Team USA opened the round-robin tournament with a solid effort, keyed by Johnson's sixth international goal in only his fourth national team appearance.
Johnson, 20, scored in the first half and Lewis gave the United States a 2-0 lead in the 55th minute. Trinidad's goal came only moments before the final whistle.
The other regional games Wednesday night saw Mexico defeat Costa Rica, 2-1, and Guatemala play to a 0-0 draw with Panama.
Japan and South Korea also recorded wins to open the final round of qualifying in Asia while Greece and Spain had important victories in Europe.
Greece, the reigning European champion, had struggled early in qualifying. But the Greeks moved into second place in its group with a 2-1 win over Denmark.
