As Arena's Americans were edging uncomfortably past tricky Trinidad & Tobago in 90-degree temperatures in sizzling Port of Spain, regional royalty Mexico - under the tutelage of former Argentine international Ricardo Lavolpe ? had their troubles against rising side Costa Rica on the road. Meanwhile, outsiders Panama earned a point for pride against fellow underdogs Guatemala in front of a big crowd at home in the capital.

A tale of two Eddies

It was never going to be easy for Arena and his young Americans. With a bitter labour battle threatening to divide the under-prepared side, and on the road in one of the Caribbean?s tougher venues the stars seemed not to favour the States at the outset.

But with only a mini-training camp to get his players up to speed, whatever preparations the boss took proved sufficient, as a goal a piece from young sensation Eddie Johnson and Eddie Lewis were enough to see off the islanders' tough challenge at the Queen's Park Oval cricket ground. Some late pressure and a goal from Angus Eve made for a more respectable 2-1 scoreline, but even with Dwight Yorke back in the team, T&T looked out of their depth even against a half-strength U.S.

"It's a massive victory ,"USA and new Borussia M?nchengladbach keeper Kasey Keller told reporters after the match. "Especially after all the drama that has gone on. The guys got together and got a great victory. And now we have to move forward. The goal for this group is to qualify for the World Cup and we have taken a big step in the first game."

Coach Arena echoed his net-minder's buoyant optimism, claiming "the way our team pulled together over the last couple of weeks to be ready to play this game under difficult conditions was great".

Eddie Johnson of MLS outfit F.C. Dallas and top scorer from the FIFA World Youth Championship two years ago in UAE, now lays claim to the tremendous strike rate of six goals in only four caps ? all FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the States. And the Americans now sit top of the six-team 'Hexagonal' group alongside rivals Mexico.

Two in two for Lozano

Mexico also had to suffer for their supper on the road in San Jose against one of the CONCACAF region?s rising powers. But goals in the 7th and 8th minutes from UNAM Pumas hit man Jaime Lozano got them off to a rampaging start. Paulo Wanchope?s 27th-minute goal was not enough to inspire a fight back as no goals came in a fairly tepid second half.

The brace brings Lozano's qualifying goals haul to ten so far, drawing him level with team-mate Jared Borgeti. Also, the historic win was Mexico's first in Costa Rica for over 40 years.

Mexico move into joint-top spot in the final round, thanks to a goalless draw between impressive Panama and Guatemala in Panama City. With five red cards shown, the match was a bitter stand-off between two teams desperate to earn at least one point in their unfamiliar appearance at the final-round hurdle.

The two remaining Central American representatives are now tied for third place with a point apiece.