The U.S. and Mexico played to a 0-0 draw last night in their World Cup qualifying game at the Azteca in Mexico City.
Mexico had all of the play and was constantly threatening Brad Guzan in the U.S. goal. The U.S. wasn't even credited with a shot until midway the second half.
The result leaves the U.S. with a win, a tie and a loss in three games. Mexico has three draws.
Mexico seemed to have a clear appeal for a penalty when Maurice Edu bundled over Javier Aquino in the box late in the second half, but Guatemalan referee Walter Lopez didn't give the penalty kick.
Costa Rica protest nixed
FIFA has upheld the United States' 1-0 win over Costa Rica in a snowy World Cup qualifier last week, saying the protest by the visitors was not filed correctly. The Ticos were angered by the decision of referee Joel Aguilar of El Salvador to allow the game in Commerce City, Colo., to be played on a snow-covered field in a storm. World Cup regulations required Ticos captain Bryan Ruiz to "immediately lodge a protest" with the referee if he believed the field became unplayable, FIFA said. Protests also must be filed in writing to FIFA's administration "no later than two hours after the match," the regulations state. FIFA said it received the protest letter Sunday, two days after the game.
World Cup champion Spain reclaimed first place in its qualifying group with a 1-0 victory over France in Paris. Pedro Rodriguez scored in the 58th minute for Spain . . . Montenegro remained two points ahead of England after Dejan Damjanovic's goal in the 76th minute salvaged a 1-1 draw for the hosts. England took the lead in the sixth minute when Wayne Rooney headed home.
