The game played out at the height of the afternoon sun in front of 105,000 frenzied spectators at the massive Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Going into the game, Mexico trailed the United States by four points in the final CONCACAF qualifying group for South Africa 2010. Defeat would have made qualification a very tough task for Mexico.
Unfazed by the antagonistic atmosphere, the United States looked to have spoiled the script when Charles Davies scored for the visitors after just nine minutes. But Israel Castro tied the game ten minutes later with a thunderous shot from outside the penalty area that ricocheted in off the cross bar.
Mexico pressed relentlessly in the second half, dominating possession but unable to create any clear-cut chances.
But nine minutes from end when it seemed the game was heading for a tie, substitute Miguel Sabah popped up in the area to drive a fierce shot past U.S. goalie Tim Howard.
Mexico held on for the remainder of the game, sparking wild celebrations among the players, coaching staff and fans at the final whistle.
In Guadalajara, police sealed off the Minerva Fountain as fans made a beeline for the traffic intersection. The celebrations lasted for several hours.
Qualifying table
(Top three automatically go through to South Africa 2010. Fourth place goes into a play-off with fifth-placed team from South American group. Fifth and sixth place are eliminated.)
P W T L PTS
1. Costa Rica 6 4 0 2 12
2. Honduras 6 3 1 2 10
3. United States 6 3 1 2 10
4. Mexico 6 3 0 3 9
5. El Salvador 6 1 2 3 5
6. Trinidad/Tobago 6 1 2 3 5
There are four more rounds of games to be played.
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