The clock is ticking for Eriksson

Sven Goran Eriksson spoke like a man on borrowed time after his Mexico team lost 2-0 to the United States in a World Cup qualifier in Columbus. The Swede was under pressure before the game in Ohio after his first five matches in charge yielded only one win. The latest loss will have done little to enhance his job prospects. Michael Bradley, the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder, did the damage with two goals either side of Rafael Marquez receiving a red card for a reckless challenge on keeper Tim Howard.

Afterwards, Eriksson, who has been linked with the vacancy at English Premier League strugglers Portsmouth, conceded the heat was now on. "Football is a big sport and, face it, sometimes it's not a friend of patience. But I'm optimistic because I think we have a good team. "We have to score goals - that's our biggest problem. It's difficult when it's 10 on 11, but I think our team showed a lot of character. And that's good for the future."

* PA Sport