Finland, Costa Rica, and Panama all fell yesterday in their World Cup qualifying games while Venezuela drew with Peru. NYCFC players Alex Ring, Ronald Matarrita, and Yangel Herrera each got face time for their national team. Read the full recaps below.
Finland 0 - 2 Turkey
Turkey defeated Finland 2-0 thanks to a four-minute brace from Cenk Tosun.
Alexander Ring was in the Starting XI for Finland and played a full 84 minutes before being subbed out for Petteri Forsell.
Tosun opened the scoring in the ninth minute and then scored again in the 13th after a looping header that went past Finland keeper Lukas Hradecky from a Selcuk Inan corner kick.
The win boosts Turkey's hopes of qualifying from Group I, putting them level on points with Ukraine and two points behind Iceland. Finland remains fifth with one point from five games.
Mexico 2 - 0 Costa Rica
Mexico moved into first place in the hexagonal after beating Costa Rica 2-0 in Mexico City last night.
Ronald Matarrita played a full 90 minutes while Rodney Wallace was on the bench as a substitute.
First-half goals from Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez and Nestor Aruajo sealed the three points for the hosts. Costa Rica were competitive throughout the game but giving up the second goal right before halftime was a major setback.
The win sees Mexico jump Costa Rica into first place with seven points. The Ticos return to action on Tuesday when they take on Honduras.
Panama 0 - 1 Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago notched a 1-0 victory over Panama courtesy of Kevin Molino's first-half goal.
Miguel Camargo was on the bench as a sub while the Minnesota United forward, Kevin Molino, played 80 minutes in the winning effort.
Trinidad & Tobago's victory holds them firm in 5th place in the Hex standings with Panama in third, one point above USA.
Venezuela 2 - 2 Peru
Venezuela and Peru drew 2-2 in Estadio Monumental de Maturin Thursday night.
Yangel Herrera entered at the 59th minute as he replaced Josef Martinez because of an injury. Later on he went to assist Darwin Machis' right footed shot from outside the box, but was unfortunately saved in the center of the goal.
Next Up:
Luxembourg vs France
When: Saturday, 3:45pm ET
TV: WatchESPN, ESPN3.com
The Match: Maxime Chanot will represent Luxembourg today as they take on France in the UEFA's qualifying efforts for the 2018 World Cup.
Luxembourg only have one qualifying point so far coming from 1-1 draw against Belarus, making this an uphill battle for them in Luxembourg City.
