ORLANDO — Giving up a shock goal only made Costa Rica stronger, and seven minutes later they were in front, managing a 2-1 win over Suriname at Exploria Stadium on Friday night and sealing their place in the knockout stages of the Concacaf Gold Cup.
The underdogs took the lead in the 52nd minute when Damil Dankerlui cut the ball in for Gleofilo Vlijter whose first touch nearly got away from him but he recovered before the Costa Ricans could manage to clear it, allowing him to slam it home for Suriname’s first Gold Cup goal.
Just six minutes later Costa Rica equalized thanks to a stunning cross from Ronald Matarrita who swung a floating ball into the box. That allowed Joel Campbell to run onto the ball and head it home after using his strength to head it home.
Another minute later it was 2-1 for Costa Rica thanks to a Celso Borges tap-in. Borges was the quickest to react after Joel Campbell’s shot was saved only for Borges to run onto the ball and slam it home.
The first half was tight with Costa Rica having the better of the chances but struggling to challenge for the goal, which kept it scoreless at the break.
With 16 minutes to play Suriname was stepping on the gas and nearly found a goal with an effort from Dion Malone just missing the goal.
Things got tight for Costa Rica in the 86th minute as Francisco Calvo was shown a straight red card for making contact with Ryan Donk’s face to create a nervous final four minutes but they held on to win and advance.
Photo courtesy Concacaf
Florida Soccer Report 