By Wendy Anders

Yesterday Costa Rica walloped Belize 3-0 in the second day of Central American Soccer Cup matches at Panama City’s Rommel Fernández stadium, reported Guatemala’s daily Prensa Libre.

The goals were scored by José Ortiz (25, 65) on his debut performance with the national team, and Johan Venegas (51).

The hot mid-day Panamanian sun didn’t deter Costa Rican coach Oscar Ramírez’ new line-up that included six players making their debut.

This result left Costa Rica leading the standings with four points, followed by Honduras with three, Panama, El Salvador and Belize with one each, and Nicaragua with zero points.

Belize played the same players and used the same defense that brought them victory against Panama on Friday.

Costa Rica will face their northern neighbor, Nicaragua, on Tuesday in the cup match.

It wasn’t until the final minutes of the match that Belize had a chance to strike, and the two goals attempted by Michael Salazar were repelled by Costa Rican goalkeeper, Leonel Moreira, said Prensa Libre.