Trinidad & Tobago 2 - 1 Mexico

Trinidad & Tobago 2-1 Mexico: John fires Trinidad to play-off

Updated: October 12, 2005, 12:00 PM UK

PORT OF SPAIN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Striker Stern John missed a penalty, then made amends by scoring twice as Trinidad & Tobago stunned Mexico 2-1 on Wednesday to earn a two-legged playoff against Bahrain for a place at next year's World Cup.

The Soca Warriors finished fourth in the final stage of the CONCACAF qualifying competition on 13 points from 10 games and are now just one step away from reaching the finals for a first time.

The game had appeared a formality for Mexico, who were already qualified and had won 15 of their 17 matches in the campaign including three meetings with Trinidad.

The home side, who began the group badly before enjoying a revival under veteran Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker, had a golden chance to go ahead in the 30th minute when they were awarded a penalty.

But John, who plays for English second division club Derby County, saw his effort saved by Jesus Corona.

The Caribbean islanders paid dearly when Jaime Lozano volleyed past Kelvin Jackin the 37th minute.

At that point, Trinidad appeared to be on their way out as Guatemala, who began two points behind them, raced to a 3-0 lead over Costa Rica in half an hour.

They eventually won 3-1.

However, five minutes after his miss, John turned hero when he scored from a rebound after Dwight Yorke's shot had struck the post.

John sent the crowd wild on the hour when he scored with a long-range left foot shot, his 12th goal of the qualifiers.

Mexico finished the group in second place with 22 points, behind the United States on their head-to-head record.