Saudy Rosales scored in the 12th minute, and Wendy Acosta netted in the 54th as Costa Rica beat Cuba 2-0 on Thursday night in the opening game of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament for the London Olympics.
Costa Rica, a favorite to reach the semifinals, needed a pair of saves by defenders to get the shutout against Cuba, the lowest- ranked nation in the eight-team tournament. Marianne Ugalde made a sliding stop on Yezenia Gallardo in the first half after goalkeeper Julieth Arias had overcommitted, and Fabiola Sanchez headed Gallardo's shot off the line in the second half.
Two Olympic berths are up for grabs in the tournament, which runs through Jan. 29. Costa Rica plays Haiti in the second round of group games on Saturday, while Cuba will face group favorite Canada.
