A stunning Celso Borges goal put Costa Rica in a stronger position to qualify for next year's World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Panama on Tuesday night.
The visitors went into the game looking for a draw, knowing that a loss would leave them near the bottom of the standings in a dangerous spot.
The first half at a rain-swept National Stadium in San José was dominated by physical play with few scoring opportunities.
But the hosts settled things after the interval as two long range efforts would turn the tide in favor of the Ticos.
Captain Bryan Ruiz broke the deadlock with a free-kick from the left side of the box in the 49th minute.
Borges then produced an amazing long range shot of his own to double the advantage four minutes later.
The 25-year-old, a stalwart of Swedish club side AIK, collected a short pass from Ruiz in midfield.
Given plenty of space, Borges took a powerful strike from 25 yards out that soared and swerved before nestling in the top corner of Jaime Penedo's goal.
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| Costa Rica player Celso Borges scores his side's second goal against Panama Photo: AFP |
The visitors went into the game looking for a draw, knowing that a loss would leave them near the bottom of the standings in a dangerous spot.
The first half at a rain-swept National Stadium in San José was dominated by physical play with few scoring opportunities.
But the hosts settled things after the interval as two long range efforts would turn the tide in favor of the Ticos.
Captain Bryan Ruiz broke the deadlock with a free-kick from the left side of the box in the 49th minute.
Borges then produced an amazing long range shot of his own to double the advantage four minutes later.
The 25-year-old, a stalwart of Swedish club side AIK, collected a short pass from Ruiz in midfield.
Given plenty of space, Borges took a powerful strike from 25 yards out that soared and swerved before nestling in the top corner of Jaime Penedo's goal.
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