US qualify for World Cup with dramatic win

A dramatic 3-2 win in Honduras on Saturday ensured the United States a place in next year's World Cup finals.

Carlos Pavon missed an 87th minute penalty for Honduras which would have levelled the game and left the US needing a result in their final game against Costa Rica in Washington on Wednesday.

Honduras had taken the lead through a Julio de Leon free-kick but were then stunned by two goals from Conor Casey and a Landon Donovan set piece.

They are now in fourth place in the group and need a win at El Salvador in their final game to have any chance of clinching the third automatic qualification place from Costa Rica.

The fourth-placed side will meet the fifth-placed South American side in a two-leg playoff for a place in South Africa.

Honduras gave themselves a chance when De Leon struck again in the 79th minute to make it 3-2 but eight minutes later Pavon blasted his spot kick over the bar and then missed a close range header.