Phew! La Sele ekes out 2-1 win over Trinidad & Tobago in key World Cup qualifier

It wasn’t the easiest game for nervous fans of La Sele to watch, with plenty of heart-rending chances for both sides,  but Costa Rica ultimately came out on top in a 2-1 win over Trinidad & Tobago Tuesday night.

Star goalie Keylor Navas, who had a quiet game during last Thursday’s scoreless tie with Panama, had some huge moments for La Sele, blocking multiple scoring opportunities in messy tangles in front of the goal. His streak ran out when the flimsy Costa Rican defense allowed Kevin Molino to launch a powerful crossing shot in the 35th minute, causing Navas’ temper to flare.

However, Costa Rica won the day, thanks to goals by Francisco Calvo – a header in the very first minute that brought the National Stadium to its feet – and captain Bryan Ruíz in the 44th.

With the win, which left more than a few fingernails gnawed to the nub across Costa Rica, La Sele holds on to second place in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying. It has 11 points, behind Mexico with 14, and three points ahead of the United States.