Costa Rica 0-0 Panama
Football games like this rarely live in the memory.
And, all in all, this was a result that did little for both nations.
Indeed, live betting fans could be forgiven for failing to get too excited.
Not that there was a lack of goalmouth action.
But a goalless draw in Costa Rica never really took off and was a real blow for the hosts, who created plenty of chances but simply could not convert them.
That frustration was evident as early as 10 minutes after the re-start when Giancarlo Gonzalez was dismissed.
Still, Los Ticos made opportunities and showed why they are renowned for their quick counter-attacks, while Joel Campbell, once of Arsenal, nearly broke the deadlock.
Yet, he was kept at bay, and Panama’s physical approach paid dividends.
They slip to fourth after the USA saw off Trinidad and Tobago 2-0. The Americans are now within a point of Costa Rica who have slipped further behind group leaders Mexico – themselves 3-0 winners against Honduras.
As Costa Rica – quarter-finalists in 2014 – bid for their fifth place in a World Cup finals, coach Oscar Ramirez turns his attention to next week’s clash with Trinidad and Tobago and knows his players must quickly put this disappointing result behind them.
Meanwhile, Panama host Honduras and are now just out of the automatic qualification berth for Russia 2018.
Their dream to reach a first-ever World Cup Finals remains, but Honduras must be defeated and determined Panama must quickly turn draws into victories.
It’s as simple as that!
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