Costa Rica’s Men’s National Team hoped for a strong showing against Belgium in its final international friendly before the 2018 World Cup. However, it was not to be.
A powerful brace from Romelu Lukaku and a glittering performance from Eden Hazard led Belgium to a 4-1 over La Sele in Brussels. Despite an early lead thanks to a strong goal from Costa Rican captain Bryan Ruíz, the multi-talented Red Devils were just too much for Costa Rica in the end.
The team that beat Egypt 3-0 last week, with a world class Hazard pulling the strings was 2-1 up by halftime thanks to finishes from Dries Mertens and Lukaku.
Belgium fans did watch in horror as Hazard, showing great form lately, limped off in the 70th minute. His teammates later dispelled any fears of lasting damage to the diminutive Chelsea forward.
“I’m not too worried about Eden; he’s a tough guy. He gets kicked all the time, bur soon gets over it,” said Lukaku after the game.
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The giant Manchester United target man got his second with a powerful header after running into space with great speed.
He then set up strike partner Michy Batshuayi for the fourth and the pair did a little dance to celebrate.
Belgium’s Group G rivals from the World Cup will have been warned, with unpleasant viewing for England, Panama and Tunisia.
Costa Rica will face Serbia, Brazil and Switzerland in the group phase.
In 2014, oddsmakers expected Costa Rica would not score a single goal
