Mexico City (AFP) – Michael Bradley scored a spectacular long-range goal as the United States battled to a 1-1 draw with arch-rivals Mexico in their 2018 World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

Mexico’s former Arsenal striker Carlos Vela cancelled out Bradley’s sixth-minute chip to give the hosts a point which saw them extend their lead at the top of the CONCACAF standings to six points.

The USA, who made seven changes from the the team which beat Trinidad & Tobago in Colorado last Thursday, are level with second-place Costa Rica on eight points but trail on goal difference. 

The top three teams in the six-team round robin competition qualify automatically for next year’s finals in Russia.