Canada stuns Costa Rica, 2-1
Costa Rican Coach Hernan Medford tried mightily this week to downplay talk that his team should be considered among the favorites in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. And in Wednesday’s tournament opener it went out and played that way, giving up two second-half goals to Julian De Guzman and falling, 2-1, to a Canadian team that is quickly becoming Costa Rica’s nemesis.
“Canada is always very difficult for Costa Rica,” said Medford, whose team has opened against Canada in three of the last four Gold Cups. “But there are no excuses. Canada deserves all the credit.”
Which leaves Costa Rica, expected to cruise into the tournament quarterfinals, needing victories over Haiti and Guadeloupe to be assured of advancing. Those teams played to a 1-1 tie under rainy skies in Wednesday’s second game at the Orange Bowl.
Costa Rica’s Walter Centeno wrapped a right-foot kick just inside the far post from about 20 yards early in the second half. But the lead lasted only a minute before De Guzman found the back of the net after collecting a loose ball outside the penalty area.
“There was a little opening on the side of the post,” De Guzman said. “I just aimed for that post and I closed my eyes and it went in.”
Shortly after that the rain started falling in earnest and the Costa Rica defense began to break down in the oppressive South Florida humidity.
De Guzman took advantage in the 73rd minute, scoring the game-winner on a play that started when he stole the ball from a Costa Rican defender just outside the penalty area. He then dribbled around two defenders and chipped in a left-footed kick from 19 yards in front of the net.
Guadeloupe, playing in the Gold Cup for the first time, held off a relentless Haitian attack in the final minutes to salvage the tie.
