Costa Rica Overturns U.S. In World Cup Qualifying

The United States lost 2-1 Sunday to Costa Rica, suffering its first defeat in four games during the semifinal rounds of qualifying for the 1998 World Cup soccer tournament.

Despite giving up a goal for the first time in qualifying play, the U.S. remains in excellent position to advance to the final qualifying round for the North and Central American and Caribbean region.

Both the United States and Costa Rica (each 3-1) are tied for the Group One lead and could clinch a spot in the six-team regional finals if Guatemala (1-2-1) fails to beat Trinidad and Tobago (0-3-1) next Sunday at Los Angeles.

Jose Pablo Wanchope put Costa Rica ahead in the 40th minute, and Wilmer Lopez made it 2-0 in the 84th. Cobi Jones scored for the United States in the closing minute.

Canada and El Salvador advanced to the regional finals from Group Two, and Jamaica and Mexico advanced from Group Three. Three teams from the final round will advance to the 1998 tournament in France.