World Cup Soccer : U.S. Falls to Costa Rica, 1-0, in Qualifying Opener

The United States, considered a favorite to qualify for its first World Cup in 39 years, lost to Costa Rica, 1-0, Sunday in its opening match of final-round qualifying.

Forward Gilberto Rhoden scored the game’s only goal at 15 minutes of the first half. Rhoden deflected a wide shot by teammate Evaristo Coronado into the net.

The United States, eliminated by Costa Rica in 1986 World Cup qualifying, plays host to the Costa Ricans April 30 at Fenton, Mo.

The United States’ best chance to tie came with nine minutes remaining in the first half, but Costa Rican goalkeeper Luis Gabelo Conejo lunged high to his right to make the save.

Coronado, who drew a yellow card for rough play, now has two yellow cards in World Cup qualifying. He received an automatic suspension from the April 30 game.

“It was a very tough game,” Rhoden said. “But we prepared ourselves mentally and things came out really well.”

Costa Rica leads the group with a 2-1 record and four points. Guatemala is 1-1 with two points. El Salvador and Trinidad-Tobago have not played yet in the five country round-robin qualifying. The top two teams make the 24-nation finals in Italy in 1990.

The United States was rated the favorite after Mexico and Canada were eliminated. Guatemala beat Canada last fall and Mexico was expelled after using over-age players in qualifying for the world under-20 championship.