USMNT Routed 4-0 In Costa Rica

The U.S. Men’s National Team fell apart defensively in the second half in San Jose, Costa Rica.  They lost 4-0 in the first away qualifier of the Final Round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. They U.S. has never won a World Cup qualifier in Costa Rica.

An even first half saw both teams carve out chances, but it was Costa Rica forward Johan Venegas whose header broke the deadlock in the 44th minute. The USA came out in the second frame looking for the equalizer, but as they pushed forward, Costa Rica was able to take advantage on multiple occasions. Bolaños finished in the 68th minute before substitute Joel Campbell grabbed a brace in the 74th and 78th to cement victory for the home side before a sold-out crowd of 35,400 at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica.

“A very very bitter moment for us,” U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann told the media after the loss. “There’s no doubt about it. We didn’t imagine we’d go into the Hexagonal with two defeats. You wanna have some points. This is definitely a moment to reflect about what happened the last 10 days, and probably open a lot of discussions with the players.”

The defeat brings a tough end to 2016 for the USA (12-6-1), which finished fourth at Copa American Centenario and finished atop its Semifinal Round World Cup Qualifying group to advance to the Hex.

Goal Scoring Rundown:
CRC – Johan Venegas (Christian Bolaños), 44th minute: After an even first half, Costa Rica broke through just before the break. Randall Azofeifa played a looping ball over the top that Bolaños chased down in the left corner. With space to work, he held up before sending a pinpoint cross for Johan Venegas. The Montreal Impact attacker met the ball at the near post, where he directed a header down past Brad Guzan into the center of the goal. CRC 1, USA 0

CRC – Christian Bolaños (Bryan Ruiz), 68th minute: Costa Rica gained their second goal when Bryan Ruiz slipped down the right before centering an outside of the foot cross for Venegas, whose powerful header was partially saved by Guzan before sneaking over the goal line. CRC 2, USA 0

CRC – Joel Campbell, 74th minute: A looping ball over the top saw John Brooks misplay the bounce straight into the path of substitute Joel Campbell. The attacker slid past Brooks to go in alone on goal, where he slotted the ball inside the left post. CRC 3, USA 0

CRC – Joel Campbell (Ronald Matarrita), 78th minute: Ronald Matarrita lobbed a ball forward out of midfield which saw Campbell time his run to beat the offside trap. In alone, he once again finished low inside the left post. CRC 4, USA 0 FINAL