Costa Rica put up a valiant effort in their final Copa America match against Paraguay, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the next round. Despite a 2-1 victory, the team was eliminated from the tournament.
The game got off to an electrifying start, with Francisco Calvo and 19-year-old Josimar Alcócer scoring within the first seven minutes. Calvo seized the opportunity to head home Joseph Mora’s cross, while Alcócer showcased his skill by dribbling from midfield and slotting a shot past Paraguay’s goalkeeper. These early goals set the stage for an intense battle between the two teams.
Although Costa Rica managed to secure the win, their overall performance in the group stage left them in third place in Group D with four points. Their fate was sealed when Colombia and Brazil played to a 1-1 draw, with Brazil ultimately clinching the second-place spot with five points.
This outcome was a tough blow for Costa Rica, as it marked their fourth elimination in the group stage, following previous exits in 1997, 2011, and 2016. Despite these setbacks, the team has shown their potential in past tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals in 2001 and 2004.
It was a hard elimination for Ticos
The match against Paraguay was not without its tense moments, as Paraguay fought back in the second half, with Ramón Sosa scoring their only goal. However, Costa Rica’s goalkeeper, Patrick Sequeira, played a crucial role in preserving their lead with a fingertip save in stoppage time.
Reflecting on their performance, coach Luis Fernando Suárez expressed his disappointment at being eliminated from the tournament but also praised the team’s resilience, saying: “We fought hard and gave it our all, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to advance to the next stage.”
Despite the disappointment of being eliminated, the team can take pride in their strong start to the tournament and their ability to compete at such a high level. Looking ahead, the experience gained from this tournament will undoubtedly serve as valuable lessons for future competitions.