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Fans of the National Football Team of Costa Rica left the National Stadium disappointed last night after a game that should have been won by the host squad.

In the first official qualifier for both El Salvador and Costa Rica, the host team had a clear advantage in the first half. Costa Rica went on the offensive right after the initial whistle. Young star striker Joel Campbell -who played a very strong game- attempted to break the ice in the first few minutes from the right wing, while Alvaro Saborio attacked down the middle. At the nine-minute mark, Michael Barrantes passed a flawless assist to Saborio, who elegantly put the ball down with his chest and launched a rocket that flew past Salvadorean goalkeeper Benji Villalobos.

Five minutes later, Barrantes would once again enable a Tico striker to score. This time it was the sensational Campbell, who easily converted with a left kick. Costa Rica looked glorious and the fans were ecstatic. It had only been 14 minutes and the Ticos enjoyed a clear advantage early in the game.

Isidro Gutierrez from El Salvador brought the first disappointment of the night. A straight and low-to-the-ground shot on goal surprised Tico goalkeeper Keylor Navas at the 23-minute mark.

Less than ten minutes later, darkness engulfed the National Stadium with an embarrassing blackout that would delay the game for about half hour. Once the situation returned to normal, the game continued with Costa Rica ahead by one goal at halftime.

The second half began with Costa Rica leaving some spaces unguarded, something that the players from El Salvador immediately took advantage of. At the 58-minute mark, a quick pass from Rafael Burgos to Osael Romero tied the game. The Ticos deployed a strong offensive, and in 20 minutes had three clear opportunities to come out ahead, but the visitors strengthened their defense for the rest of the game.

The next game for Costa Rica in her group will be against Guyana next Tuesday, while El Salvador will play against CONCACAF favorite Mexico on the same day.

Source: Everardo Herrera