Japan have stolen a Women's World Cup berth from Mexico for the second straight time as they won the AFC/CONCACAF playoff 3-2 on aggregate. After a 2-0 win at home, Japan added to their lead with an Eriko ARAKAWA goal just twelve minutes into the second leg in Toluca. Sixteen minutes later, the home side had closed to within one goal, with scores by Fatima LEYVA and Maribel DOMINGUEZ. Japan, though, held on to continue their perfect record of appearing at every Women's World Cup to date.

With the final of the CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup extending deep into overtime, penalties looked all but certain as the United States and Canada remained level at 1-1. But on a late corner, Robyn GAYLE was whistled for a foul in the area, and the world's most capped player, Kristine LILLY, put the penalty past Canadian keeper Erin MCLEOD for the dramatic US win. The third place match saw Mexico roll to a 3-0 win over Jamaica with two goals from Monica OCAMPO and one from Maribel DOMINGUEZ; Mexico advance to the AFC/CONCACAF playoff against Japan.

CONCACAF's top sides, Canada and the United States, qualified for the 2007 Women's World Cup – by playing only one match. In Carson, CA, USA, Canada won 4-0 over Jamaica on two goals and one assist from Christine SINCLAIR. The second match saw the home side defeat Mexico 2-0, both goals by Abby WAMBACH. Canada will now face the US in the final of the CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup, and in the third place match, Mexico will meet Jamaica with the winner facing Japan in the AFC/CONCACAF playoff.

Jamaica and Trinidad-Tobago will represent the Caribbean at the CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup after their easy wins in the second qualifying round. Tasha ST LOUIS totaled four goals in the Soca Divas' two wins in Group A, and Venicia REID contributed five for the Reggae Girlz as they dominated Group B. They will join Canada, Mexico, Panama, and the United States at the Women's Gold Cup in the US in NOV 2006.

Six teams escaped successfully from the CONCACAF first qualifying round, with a place in China 2007 the ultimate prize. more...