USA knocked out of World Cup as Panama clinch place

The USA failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986 on Tuesday, crashing to a shock 2-1 defeat against already-eliminated Trinidad and Tobago. In a result that will be viewed as a catastrophe for football in the United States, Trinidad took all three points via an Omar Gonzalez own goal and a superb strike from Alvin Jones. US star Christian Pulisic pulled a goal back in the second half, but the increasingly desperate Americans were unable to find another to rescue their hope.

In my life... idk if I've ever seen a larger setback for USA soccer Well... Ever...

— Mike LaBelle (@HashtagMike18) October 11, 2017

Their exit was confirmed by results in Tuesday's other Concacaf qualifiers, where Panama booked their place at the World Cup for the first time with a 2-1 win over Costa Rica in Panama City. Honduras then snatched fourth place in the table with a 3-2 win over Mexico, who had already qualified. The Hondurans will now face Australia in a two-legged playoff next month for a place in the finals.

USA soccer is basically Arkansas football. Mostly average. Brief brushes with greatness. And embarrassing losses at the worst possible times

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) October 11, 2017

But the shock of the night was without a doubt the US failure at the final hurdle. Bruce Arena's side had needed only a draw at the Ato Boldon Stadium to be virtually certain of securing at least a playoff spot. After thrashing Panama 4-0 last Friday, the Americans had arrived in the Caribbean confident of securing the result needed to extend a proud record of qualifying for every World Cup since 1990.

USA actually has superb youth soccer but we trot out Tim Howard who's almost 40 & Bruce Arena relevant 15 years ago & expect results? #USMNT

— Britt McHenry (@BrittMcHenry) October 11, 2017

Yet it started to go wrong for Arena's men after 17 minutes when Gonzalez's sliced clearance looped high and over the stranded Tim Howard to put T & T 1-0 up. It got worse just after the half-hour mark when Alvin Jones produced a goal out of nothing to double the home side's lead. Gathering the ball on the right flank, roughly 35 yards from goal, Jones let fly with a ferocious shot which flew past Howard to make it 2-0.

QUALIFIED! ? Congratulations, ??Panama! Los Canaleros will make their #WorldCup debut in ??Russia! #WCQ pic.twitter.com/OG0oU2CsIT

— #WCQ ⚽️? (@FIFAWorldCup) October 11, 2017

Pulisic then gave the US hope with a deflected shot soon after half-time to make it 2-1. As the changing score in the other games began to filter through to the American ranks, the US became increasingly desperate. But despite the desperation, Trinidad and Tobago held firm for a famous win that is likely to trigger a prolonged inquest in US football.

Heartbreak for the United States. Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama are in. Honduras in the playoff. https://t.co/1CwrBVbh8I pic.twitter.com/459TKQ3JWO

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 11, 2017

RESULTS T & T 2 (Gonzalez 17-og, Jones 37) USA 1 (Pulisic 47) Panama 2 (Torres 52, 88) Costa Rica 1 (Venegas 36) Honduras 3 (Elis 34, Ochoa 53-og, Quioto 60) Mexico 2 (Peralta 17, Vela 37)   POINTS TABLE Teams M W D L GD Pts Mexico10 6 3 1 9 21 - Qualified Costa Rica 10 4 4 2 6 16 - Qualified Panama 10 3 4 3 -1 13 - Qualified Honduras 10 3 4 3 -6 13 - Playoff USA 10 3 3 4 4 12 - Eliminated T & T 10 2 0 8 -12 6 - Eliminated