Duo On Track For World Cup

Differing nights for Howard and Cahill on road to Brazil 2014.

The United States and Australia both began the third round of qualification for World Cup 2014 by avoiding defeat.

Everton's Tim Howard was in goal as the Americans ran out 3-1 winners over Antigua and Barbuda in Florida.

Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey and Herculez Gomez scored for the hosts, with Peter Byers netting for the twin-island nation.

Despite picking up the three points, a more comfortable win was expected against a team 77 places lower in the FIFA world rankings.

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said: ""The guys know they can step it up and they will step it up."

Next up for Howard and his compatriots is another qualifier away to Guatemala on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Blues midfielder Tim Cahill was an unused substitute as Australia picked up an away point against Oman.

The Socceroos came closest to scoring in the 0-0 contest amidst sweltering 40 degrees heat, but must now wait until Tuesday to try and register their first victory.

Opponents Japan currently top Group B having played a game more than Australia - winning their second fixture convincingly 6-0 against Jordan.