Costa Rica (1) vs. Canada (0) – Results

Last Updated on March 25, 2022 6:43 pm by Erwin Noguera

With a goal from veteran Celso Borges, the Costa Rican team won with suffering at home by 1-0 to the leader and until this Thursday undefeated Canada; a result with which Costa Rica gets into the playoff zone on the way to Qatar 2022.

First Half

Costa Rica came out with everything in search of the goal; pressed the exit of Canada, and played better the first quarter of an hour. Either way, they did not find clarity to overcome the block of three central defenders Canada uses.

Two headers from Francisco Calvo and one from Celso Borges on set pieces were the clearest options available to Costa Rica in the first half-hour of play.

Canada settled better on the field after overcoming the initial pressure from Los Ticos and began to find spaces for their characteristic vertical attacking game led by the speedy Tajon Buchanan and Richmond Laryea on the wings.

Canada answered in the 32nd minute with a shot from Richie Laryea that missed the post and a minute later, Kaye was sent off for a foul. Before the break, Costa Rica took the lead when Borges headed in a cross from Gerson Torres to give los Ticos hope.

Second Half

Already in the second half, Joel Campbell had the second at minute 52 in a counterattack that he could not score against the goalkeeper, Milan Borjan. The Canadians tried and in the 55th minute, Jonathan David made a shot that Anthony Contreras deflected to save the locals.

The visitors kept looking and at minute 64, Stephen Eustaquio made a shot that went too far and drowned out the goal cry. Campbell had it again at 65′ with a good cross, but his header went over the top.

Little by little in the final part Canada gained possession and arrived dangerously. It was when Keylor Navas became the Costa Rican figure by saving a ball from below in the 73rd minute.

Finally, Canada could not against a very well-formed defense from Costa Rica and with a grown Keylor Navas, the match ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of Los Ticos, which continue to dream of their place in the World Cup.