Battling US hold spirited Mexico

A battling United States held Mexico to their third straight draw in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, grinding out a goalless stalemate in a tense encounter at the Azteca Stadium on Tuesday.

The result was only the second time the US have earned a point from a qualifier at the Azteca and the gutsy display with an injury-hit squad took the US to four points from their three games.

Panama top the standings on five points from three games with Costa Rica second in the table, ahead of the Juergen Klinsmann-coached US on goal difference.

For Klinsmann, whose team have responded to media criticism of their coach with four points from the two March qualifiers, including Friday's victory in snowy Denver over Costa Rica, the result showed his team possesses plenty of character.

Despite dropping to fifth in the standings, Mexico coach Jose Manuel de La Torre said there was no need for panic. "The leading team has five points, we have three and there are 21 points left to play for," he said.

Mexico had the better of the possession and the chances but were unable to find a way past a well-organised and determined US back line, although they were furious not to be awarded a penalty in the second half. Javier Aquino went down under challenge from Maurice Edu in the 76th minute but Guatemalan referee Walter Lopez waved away the appeals.

The home side began brightly and clearly targeted stand-in left back DaMarcus Beasley with right-winger Aquino being joined by Giovani Dos Santos on the flank to cause early trouble for Klinsmann's side.

Aquino was brought down by Beasley in the eighth minute, earning the US defender a yellow card to further add to his difficulties.

Dos Santos's volley in the 20th minute straight at US keeper Brad Guzan was, however, the only real threat on goal that Mexico produced from their early pressure.

After their shaky start, the US, gradually grew into the game, slowing down the pace and looking to hit Mexico on the counter attack.

The third straight draw leaves Mexico in fifth place in the six-team group.