Costa Rica said goodbye with their heads held high

The Costa Rican team did not pull off Tuesday’s miracle and advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa América, but they said goodbye to the tournament with their heads held high, after beating Paraguay 2-1 in Austin and giving themselves, at least , a moment of hope where the impossible seems possible.

Led by goals from Francisco Calvo and 19-year-old Josimar Alcócer in the first seven minutes, Costa Rica temporarily dreamed that in order to advance they needed to win, defeat Brazil, and also have to overcome a goal difference of six purpose.

Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro’s team couldn’t do it. A final 1-2 goal for Paraguay, by Ramón Sosa, ended hopes of qualification, but did not tarnish the great work of the Ticos. They have a young group and a highly experienced coach. Two years before the World Cup, they showed that they have arguments to be competitive.

Paraguay bid farewell to the Copa América with three defeats out of three. Albirroja fans will try to console themselves with their team’s participation in the Paris Olympic Games.

A dream start

Alfaro’s selection did what it could, and it got off to a dream start with two goals in the first seven minutes. Calvo broke the tie at three by heading in a perfect cross from Joseph Mora from the left wing.

Against a Paraguay emotionally affected after their early exit from the Copa América, Costa Rica attacked and extended the lead after just four minutes with a superb goal from Alcócer with a low shot from outside the box. place to hit the goalkeeper.

It was 2-0 for the Ticos in a party atmosphere, but also one of high tension, with one eye always on the game in Santa Clara, where Brazil would take the lead shortly after a great direct free kick from Raphinha.

Paraguay, as in the match against Brazil, has the origin of the game in Enciso. The young Brighton talent, who is also aiming to join the red-and-red team at the next Paris Games, had his side’s best chance with a powerful shot from outside the area that goalkeeper Patrick was able to dispatch Sequeira for a corner.

The good news for Costa Rica came seconds after the referee blew the whistle to end the first half. Daniel Muñoz’s goal tied the match at Levi’s Stadium on the brink of half-time.

A proud farewell

The Ticos cling to the miracle. They started the restart with Colombia needing to complete the comeback and with a goal difference of four goals to overcome. But the illusion lasted a little longer.

Ten minutes into the second half, Ramón Sosa scored his first goal as a full international with a spectacular right-handed curl to make it 1-2, once again putting a mountain between Costa Rica and a place in the quarterfinals .

The psychological blow was felt for Costa Rica, which after Paraguay’s goal lowered its position and focused on trying to defend its advantage to add at least its first victory in this Copa América.

And he achieved it thanks also to a rare save by Keylor Navas’ heir, goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira, who denied Ángel Romero the equalizer between the sticks in the 94th minute.