Photo credit: FedefutbolCR

The Costa Rican male National Soccer team had its second international friendly this Thursday against England and lost 2-0, in a game that showcased the weaknesses of “La Sele”.

Perhaps one of the most frequent criticisms that the Costa Rican team has been facing since the qualification games has been that it is very predictable, this has something to do with the head coach who chooses many times to “play it safe” and sometimes it also has to do with the limitations of the players.

This was evident today, with the absence of midfielder Bryan Ruiz, the game the Costa Ricans play when Ruiz is in the field is very different from the one they play when he is not, it seems that coach Ramirez has not been able to solve this problem. Ruiz has been resting after suffering from back pain.

Even though England did not come out with its main lineup they played a dynamic game, they controlled the rhythm and the pace and kept the Ticos running. “La Sele” had trouble maintaining the ball and some seemed evidently tired.

Maybe the long trip from Costa Rica to England, the climate change, etc. could have taken a toll on some players.

The score opened at minute 13’ with a great goal by Marcus Rashford, an error in the Costa Rican defense that left Navas open and in a tough position to stop the ball.

The second goal came at minute 76’ with a header by Danny Welbeck.

Navas prevented the difference from being wider.

Offensively Costa Rica also lacked aggressiveness and security the team only generated one dangerous play for the English team.

Costa Rica will now travel to Brussels where they will face Belgium in the last friendly before their debut in the Russia World Cup on Sunday, June 17.