Bocanegra, who is on loan to Racing Santander, scored the equaliser against Guatemala in Kansas City as the Americans went on to win 3-1.
It was his 14th international goal on his 109th appearance for his country and that’s a USA record.
The Americans have now moved into the final qualifying phase – a group of six sides including Mexico – as they seek to make it to Brazil in 2014.
It was a fabulous night for Northern Ireland as they fought out a 1-1 draw with Portugal in Porto as Cristiano Ronaldo earned his 100th cap.
Aberdeen’s Niall McGinn put Michael O’Neill’s side ahead before Helder Postiga equalised. Dean Shiels was an unused sub in the game.
It was a proud night but it does not really help Northern Ireland’s qualification hopes. It’s the same for Scotland who were beaten 2-0 in Belgium leaving them eight points adrift with just two points from four matches. Former Rangers Allan McGregor, Alan Hutton and Kenny Miller were all involved.
It was a massively disappointing night for Dorin Goian as Romania were hammered 4-1 at home by ruthless Holland.
Goian, on loan in Serie B with Spezia, played the full 90 minutes as the Romanians were heavily beaten in Bucharest but remain in the frame for a play-off place.
