Mexico’s Hector Herrera (right) celebrates with teammate Andres Guardado after scoring against visiting Trinidad & Tobago in a World Cup qualifier on October 6, 2017, in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. (Photo: Mexsport)
SAN LUIS POTOSI, Mexico – Mexico (6W-3D-0L, 21 points) scored three unanswered goals in the second half to rally for a 3-1 win over visiting Trinidad & Tobago (1-0-8, 3) in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Friday at the Estadio Alfonso Lastras.
The victory means that the Tricolor will finish atop the Hexagonal for the second time in six attempts and first since the 1998 cycle.
Shahdon Winchester put the Soca Warriors ahead in the 66th minute, when he ran onto Levi Garcia’s header and lifted a right-footed effort over goalkeeper Jesus Corona from 12-yards out.
From that point forward, Mexico shifted into a different in order to maintain its standing as CONCACAF’s only unbeaten side in qualifying.
In the 78th minute, substitute Hirving Lozano leveled for the host, firing in with his left foot from 10 yards off Miguel Layun’s cross from the left side of the box.
Javier Hernandez gave Mexico the lead for good in the 88th minute, heading home from four-yards out after goalkeeper Adrian Foncette dove to save Jesus Manuel Corona’s shot, only for the ball to shoot into the air.
The match was concluded for all intents and purposes in the fourth minute of stoppage time thanks to Hector Herrera’s brilliant right-footed free kick from 23 yards that was placed inside the right post.
Trinidad & Tobago was officially eliminated from contention, but will host the United States on Tuesday. That same day, Mexico will visit Honduras.
