Francisco Calvo’s 84th-minute goal was the winning margin for the Costa Rica men’s national soccer team as it earned a 2-1 victory over Curaçao on Thursday at Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad.
Calvo’s skying header was an unlikely finish to a match that had been dominated by the Caribbeans after Ricardo Blanco was sent off with a second yellow card in the 64th minute.
With the result, Costa Rica has moved into first place of its CONCACAF Nations League group with one match remaining.
La Sele will face Haiti on Sunday at Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in Tibás with a chance to advance from Group D with a win or draw.
Watch highlights from Costa Rica vs. Curaçao below
Costa Rica scored first on a penalty kick after a foul committed by Curaçao’s goalkeeper:
Gol de @fedefutbolcrc! Por la vía del penal Johan Venegas 🇨🇷 anota al minuto 14. #FollowTheDream #CNL pic.twitter.com/NOjXg539CP
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) November 14, 2019
Curaçao tied the match on this phenomenal header:
20′ After scoring a goal, @CuracaoFutbol reacts and draws the game with a great header by Rangelo Janga.#FollowTheDream #CNL pic.twitter.com/pt9Zl6nN7o
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) November 14, 2019
But Calvo was the hero for Costa Rica late:
⏰ ¡Fin del partido!@CuracaoFutbol 🇨🇼1-2 🇨🇷 @fedefutbolcrc
Con este cabezazo del defensa Francisco Calvo, Costa Rica consigue la victoria y el primer lugar del grupo D de #CNL. #FollowTheDream pic.twitter.com/8KxdPVINKG
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) November 15, 2019