The Costa Rica National Soccer team had its last friendly match before their debut in the Russia World Cup which is scheduled for Sunday. “La Sele” fell to Belgium 4 goals to 1, in a match that demonstrated why Belgium holds the third spot of the FIFA ranking.

In the first 20 minutes of the first half, Costa Rica actually looked structured as both teams measured up; the Ticos actually opened the score of the game with a goal by Bryan Ruiz at minute 23’; however, this goal also marked a change in their rhythm and soon they were disorganized and found themselves in constant defense mode the rest of the first half, as Belgium put all their efforts in their strong offensive line.

Belgium’s first goal came at minute 31’ by Dries Mertens; the second goal by the Belgians was the work of Romelu Lukaku at minute 42’.

Keylor Navas saved the Costa Rican team in two occasions, in one of these interventions he injured his nose and required quick medical attention.

The second half of the game continued to showcase the lack of resources “La Sele” has when it comes to its attack line, the team hardly generated any danger; instead, the Belgians continued to move forward, scoring their third goal at minute 51’ again by work of Romelu Lukaku and allowed by several errors in the Costa Rican defensive line.

Lukaku continued to create danger for Costa Rica’s defense and it seemed that neither the defense or the coach had a plan to stop him…would Kendall Waston have made a difference considering he is the only Costa Rican player with the size to do man-to-man marking? Waston didn’t do well against England and that could have motivated the decision of the head coach not to put him to play.

At minute 64’ the fourth and last goal by Belgium’s Eden Hazard, added to the evident frustration of Navas and the rest of the Costa Rican players.

On the bright side, this game, despite the result, was a great test for the Costa Rican team, Belgium is clearly a better team than Serbia, and Switzerland, two of the teams that the Ticos will be facing in their group, the errors and deficiencies shown must now be used by head coach Oscar Ramirez to make the necessary adjustments, decide on the main line up and come up with a strategy that allows the Costa Ricans a chance to get past the group stage. A week is a tight schedule, “La Sele” has a lot of work ahead and this loss could also play against their confidence.

Costa Rica will debut in the Russia World Cup on Sunday, June 17 against Serbia.