The Costa Rica men’s national soccer team earned a shaky 2-1 victory on Thursday over Bermuda, a result which qualifies La Sele to the 2019 Gold Cup quarterfinals.
A goal in each half proved sufficient for the Ticos, who otherwise failed to impose themselves against the North Atlantic side.
Mayron George pounced on a rebound to open scoring for Costa Rica in the 30th minute. It was the 25-year-old’s first goal with the national team, and one many games in the making for the striker, who in recent months has seen extended playing time.
¡GOOOL DE COSTA RICA!
Mayron George abre la cuenta para #LaSele.🏆Siga la copa: https://t.co/cnRWPx34Vj ◀ pic.twitter.com/FSMaB5VaCd
— Teletica Deportes (@TeleticaTD7) June 21, 2019
Elías Aguilar added a second for La Sele in the 54th minute. Left alone in the box after a pass from Bryan Oviedo, the 27-year-old took advantage of the space with a crossing effort that beat goalkeeper Dale Eve.
¡GOOOL DE COSTA RICA!
Elías Aguilar define con calma y pone el 2-0 #LaSele.Siga la copa: (link: https://t.co/cnRWPx34Vj) https://t.co/cnRWPx34Vj pic.twitter.com/f1LNuFjEx5
— Teletica Deportes (@TeleticaTD7) June 21, 2019
Bermuda didn’t go down quietly. The North Atlantic side struck back minutes later when Celso Borges conceded a penalty off a corner kick. Nahki Wells cooly covered from the spot.
And in a game many predicated would be a blowout, La Sele couldn’t celebrate until the final whistle.
Costa Rica’s goalkeeper, Leonel Moreira, found himself called into action throughout the night as Wells and Bermuda’s attack regularly created openings on the counterattack.
But Moreira and Costa Rica were solid enough to earn the victory.
Thursday’s Group B results eliminated Bermuda and Nicaragua, and they guarantee Costa Rica and Haiti spots in the Gold Cup quarterfinals. The two teams will meet Monday at Red Bull Arena to determine the group winners.
Both sides are even at six points, but due to goal differential, a win or draw by La Sele on Monday will secure first place in Group B.
Editor’s note: This story previously referred to Bermuda as in the Caribbean. We updated the story at 9:00 a.m. to indicate Bermuda is in the North Atlantic.
