International round up: Dempsey at the double for US (From Haringey Independent)

Tottenham Hotspur forward Clint Dempsey scores twice for the United States while Hugo Lloris rescues France

11:12am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in Spurs By Tom Allnutt

Clint Dempsey scored two and set up one as the United States booked their place in the final qualifying round for the World Cup in 2014 with a 3-1 win over Guatemala last night.

Dempsey's flick-on from a corner allowed Carlos Bocanegra to open the scoring for the Americans before Dempsey got on the scoresheet himself converting a low cross from Eddie Johnson.

The Tottenham forward then made it 3-1 before half-time with a smart finish after a neat interchange with Michael Bradley.

The US, managed by Spurs legend Juergen Klinsmann, finish top of their group with 13 points.

Hugo Lloris saved a penalty for France in their 1-1 draw with Spain.

The result was the first time Spain had not won a qualifier in 24 matches.

Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele started for Belgium who beat Scotland 2-0 in Brussells.

Vertgonhen played the full 90 minutes and prevented a certain Scotland goal in the second half with a last-ditch clearance to deny Jamie Mackie at the back post.

In the same group, Gareth Bale was unable to rescue Wales again as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Croatia.

Gylfi Sigurdsson played 90 minutes as Iceland lost the top-of-the-table clash against Switzerland 2-0.