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World Cup qualifying: John's late double keeps Trinidad in the hunt [Mon Sep 5th, 2005]
Port of Spain (Reuters) - Stern John scored twice in the last five minutes as Trinidad and Tobago produced a dramatic comeback to beat Guatemala 3-2 in a World Cup qualifier.
The result pulled the Caribbean islanders level on seven points from seven games with the Central Americans in the final stage of the CONCACAF qualifying competition.
Both teams are attempting to reach their first World Cup.
Guatemala, however, stayed ahead of Trinidad in the six-team group, as they have the better overall record after winning 5-1 at home earlier.
The visitors took the lead after three minutes when Guillermo Ramirez scored from a free kick.
But the Soca Warriors took control of the game and equalised two minutes after the break with an individual effort from 37-year-old Russell Latapy, who came out of international retirement for the game.
The Scottish-based former captain, who played his last international four years ago, decided to return after personal appeals from team mate Dwight Yorke and CONCACAF president Jack Warner.
Gonzalo Romero put Guatemala back in front after 61 minutes, converting a pass by Carlos Ruiz.
But the visitors were stunned when Latapy set up John for the equaliser in the 86th minute and the Coventry City striker scored the winner with the next move of the game.
Both goals came as defender Gustavo Cabrera, John's marker, was being treated off the field for a cut on the cheek.
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