Group A Rivals Part 1: Costa Rica

Hmm. Does anyone here want to advance to the knockout stage? Hard to say since all four Group A teams lost in international friendlies today. We’ll take a brief look at how each of Ecuador’s Group A rivals performed in today’s friendlies in turn. Part1: Costa Rica.

Iran defeated Costa Rica 3-2 in Tehran in their March 1 friendly. Ali Karimi, currently of Bayern Munich, knocked home the hosts’ first goal 10 minutes into the match. Team Melli captain captain Ali Daei added another goal just six minutes later. The match seemed all but over when Vahid Hashemian made it 3-0 ten minutes before the half.

But the Ticos didn’t lay down. Right before halftime (via Carlos Hernández) and again at the hour mark (via Danny Fonseca) Costa Rica showed that the game was still afoot. The final thirty minutes, however, did not see the Ticos produce the equalizer they sought.

I think Iran is an underrated team, so losing in Tehran is no shame. Still, Iran is no Holland, Italy or even USA. The Ticos defense may have too many holes to advance in the Cup.