World Cup blow for Celtic defender

Emilio Izaguirre came within two minutes of clinching a World Cup place in Brazil when Panama equalised to earn a 2-2 draw away to Honduras.

The draw leaves Honduras three points clear of Panama with two matches left to play as they attempt to join the USA and Costa Rica in Brazil.

With matches to come against Costa Rica at home and away to Jamaica, Honduras are still in the driving seat with the qualification celebrations put on hold for Izaguirre and his team-mates.

Honduras twice took the lead last night but on both occasions Gabriel Torres equalised with his second goal coming in the 90th minute.

With Costa Rica already qualified and Jamaica at the bottom of the six team group qualification shouldn’t be beyond Honduras but after drawing last night it’ll be a long month before the final qualifiers.

While Izaguirre’s place in the World Cup Finals is almost secure he looks likely to be joined in Brazil by Mikael Lustig.

The Celtic defender missed out on Sweden’s 1-0 win away to Kazakhstan but will be hoping to be involved in the next match, at home to Austria on October 11, where a win will book a play off spot.

Explaining Lustig’s absence in Kazakhstan Sweden boss Erik Hamren said: “There were no serious things, he (Lustig) was a little worn and had probably been able to play but did not feel a hundred and because I did not want to risk having to make an early change.

“Given that I know that also Anders (Svensson) may not have the energy, Although he played almost 90 minutes yesterday.”