Hernandez misses a sitter but Mexico sneak into play-offs as Honduras book World Cup spot

Honduras qualified for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil on Tuesday by clinching the last of the automatic qualifying spots in North and Central America and the Caribbean, while Mexico stayed in contention by claiming the play-off spot after Panama suffered a heartbreaking loss to the United States.
Needing only a point to qualify, Honduras made sure of their place by drawing 2-2 with Jamaica in Kingston to join the US and Costa Rica as the three automatic qualifiers from the CONCACAF region after a dramatic final round of matches.
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez fluffed a great chance to score when the ball was squared to him eight yards out and with the goal gaping, he miskicked it backs towards a team-mate who was flagged for offside.

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Howler: Javier Hernandez is unmarked as the ball is squared to him...

...... but with the goal gaping, the striker miskicks it and the effort is ruled out for offside

Video: Hernandez fluffs great chance
Mexico were minutes away from missing out on the fourth-placed play-off spot when they were beaten 2-1 in Costa Rica and Panama held a 2-1 lead over the Americans.

But Panama, who needed to win to leapfrog Mexico in the six-nation qualifying tournament, conceded two goals in stoppage time to lose 3-2.
Mexico now face Oceania winners New Zealand in a two-leg playoff in November in an effort to continue their long streak of World Cup appearances while Honduras will make their third appearance at the game's showpiece event.

Honduras made the perfect start against Jamaica when Carlo Costly scored in the first minute but the home side, who failed to win a match in the final round, drew level two minutes later through Je-Vaughn Watson.
Honduras regained the lead after 33 minutes to go into the break with a 2-1 advantage when Maynor Figeuroa scored off a free kick but Jamaica equalised in the second half when Rodolph Austin converted a penalty.

Fury: Mexico's Javier Hernandez, left, complains to referee Walter Lopez after his effort was ruled out

Scarey: Costa Rica's Joel Campbell wearing a mask celebrates after beating Mexico

Honduras survived some anxious moments but their defence held firm before the players celebrated booking their passage to Brazil.
Mexico have qualified for every World Cup since 1982, with the exception of 1990 when they were banned by FIFA after fielding over-age players in a youth tournament, have the chance to qualify after an extraordinary final week.
Last Friday, they needed a stunning goal from Raul Jimenez five minutes from full time to beat Panama at home then on Tuesday needed the help of the United States to keep ahead of Panama.
Mexico fell behind early against Costa Rica when striker Brian Ruiz scored for the home team in the 26th minute.

Although Mexico equalised three minutes later through Oribe Peralta, whose shot hit the underside of the bar, Costa Rica went back in front when Alvaro Saborio headed what proved to be the matchwinner in the 64th minute.

Hot shot: Fulham's Brian Ruiz scores for Costa Rica

Mexico's hopes of staying alive rested on the result of Panama's match with an understrength American side, who had the luxury of resting some of their regular starters after already finishing top of the group standings.

Panama, who have never qualified for the World Cup, led 1-0 at the break after Gabriel Torres found the back of the net in the 18th minute.
Michael Orozco brought the Americans back on level terms in the 64th minute but Panama regained control when Luis Tejada scored seven minutes before fulltime, tapping in a rebound.
The goal set off wild celebrations in the Rommel Fernandez Stadium but the cheers turned to disbelief when a header from Graham Zusi then a long range strike from Aron Johannsson in injury time ended their World Cup hopes.