Costa Rica advance to KO stage behind lifeless draw against Canada
Costa Rica's winless drought extended to eight games, but it earned a spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals after a 0-0 draw with Canada in Toronto.
Playing in front of a home crowd for the only time in the tournament, Canada was unable to be inspired at BMO Field as it finished last in Group B. Marcus Haber had seemingly produced a decisive goal in the 68th minute, but the Canadian forward's effort was ruled out for offside.
The ball was cleared off the line in the 81st minute, the Costa Rican defense somehow scrambling it to safety after goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado dropped what should have been a customary collect. The Costa Ricans came into the fixture in the knowledge a draw was enough to see them progress, and it was job done for Paulo Wanchope — despite his team's last win in 90 minutes coming in October.
Canada dominated for periods of the first half as it hunted the all-important opener, noticeably taking control following a 20th-minute free kick from Maxim Tissot. Tissot's probing set piece evaded all comers in the area, including Alvarado, and eventually clipped the outside of the far post.
One minute later, referee Hector Rodriguez was forced to turn down penalty appeals, with Jonathan Osorio's flick inside the area appearing to catch Francisco Calvo's arm. Haber then had the chance of the half for the hosts, his close-range effort denied by Alvarado, and his follow-up from an acute angle was blocked by Costa Rica's defense as Benito Floro's men surged.
Costa Rica's best chance of the half came just prior to the interval, with Deyver Vega cutting in from the right wing, and unleashing a left-foot strike that Canada goalkeeper Kenny Stamatopoulos managed to somehow commandeer beyond his post. Earlier, David Ramirez threatened from range, but Wanchope's men were largely futile in front of goal.
Neither side was too keen to throw too many numbers forward in the second half — understandable for Costa Rica, which was aware a draw would see it advance. Johan Venegas came close to producing for the Ticos in the 62nd minute, only to be denied by Stamatopoulos at full stretch.
Shots from range were all Costa Rica was happy with, it seemed, as Ramirez tried his luck again from outside the 18-yard box before Canada went up the other end and earned a free kick via Haber. Haber tapped home from a set piece, but the assistant referee correctly ruled he was in an offside position when the free kick was taken — shattering the hopes of the local fans.
Costa Rica will play the runner-up in Group C -- likely to be Mexico -- in New Jersey on Sunday.
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