Costa Rica 1-0 Victory Stuns Scotland

An opportunistic goal by Costa Rica’s Juan Cayasso dealt Scotland a shocking 1-0 defeat today in another upset in the World Cup soccer tournament.

Cayasso’s 49th-minute strike in the Central American country’s debut in the World Cup finals left Scotland facing the virtual certainty of failing to make the second round of the competition for the seventh time in seven tries.

It was the second sensational victory by World Cup underdogs, following Cameroon’s 1-0 win over reigning champions Argentina in the opening game.

During a rare attack, Hector Marchena brilliantly back-heeled the ball to Cayasso to the left of him and the striker sent the ball over the diving Scottish goalkeeper Jim Leighton from close range.

Costa Rica, a 1,000-1 underdog to win the trophy, then survived almost nonstop pressure by the skillful Scots who have consistently failed to live up to their potential.

“We had so many chances. All we needed was for one to go into the net,” said disappointed Scotland Manager Andy Roxburgh.

“But they had a good goalkeeper, and these things happen in football.”

Ace Scottish marksman Mo Johnston, back in the team after a stomach injury, was just one of many Scottish players frustrated at wasting numerous scoring chances.

A superb volley by Johnston looked like a certain goal just before halftime but Costa Rican goalkeeper Gabelo Conejo pulled out a brilliant full-length save.

Johnston was foiled again in the 65th minute when he broke through only to shoot against Conejo’s leg from point-blank range.

Roxburgh brought on a third striker in the 74th minute, Johnston’s Glasgow Rangers teammate Ally McCoist in place of midfielder Jim Bett, but nothing worked.

A 40-yard shot by defender Stewart McKimmie in the 90th minute was palmed over the bar by Conejo and the Costa Rican players reacted with jubilation.