Costa Rica says goodbye to the Russia World Cup with a draw in a match that was just a formality for the Ticos, the team had lost the possibility of getting past the group stage after loosing to Serbia and Brazil.

The performance of the La Sele national soccer team has been strongly criticized in this World Cup, particularly because of the strategy which has consisted mostly in the defensive game. Costa Rica scored its only two goals in Russia today.

Head coach Oscar Ramirez, chose a more offensive lineup for today’s game against Switzerland, unfortunately it was too little, too late, but it showed a different side of “La Sele” which attacked and generated several opportunities to score during the match.

The score opened with a goal by Swiss midfielder Dzemaili at minute 31′, an error in Costa Rica’s defense left Navas alone against the strong strike of Dzemaili.

The second half of the game gave Costa Rica the first goal during this World Cup, with a header by Kendall Waston at minute 56′ in his first participation in the tournament; with the game tied the Ticos at least had saved their honor.

Switzerland pressured and took advantage of its great speed resulting in their second goal at minute 88′; however, shorty after, in an individual play by Joel Campbell a penalty was called and Bryan Ruiz tied the score.

With today’s results Brazil and Switzerland advance in Group E.

This is the last game for coach Oscar Ramirez with the national team since his contract ended with the participation of Costa RIca in the World Cup. It will also probably be the last World Cup for some players like Bryan Ruiz, captain of the team because of his age he will likely not be participating in another World Cup should the country qualify.