Costa Rica 1-1 Mexico
The betting odds suggest ‘Los Ticos’ are going to Russia, yet they will have to wait to make sure.
That is because the second qualifying berth in the CONCACAF group remains up for grabs.
Sports betting fans will still likely plump for Costa Rica to be part of the action at next summer’s World Cup –and they always add colour to football games in major tournaments.
But they still have a bit to do after being held by already-qualified Mexico.
Many felt El Tri would not have the same intensity after sealing their place at Russia 2018 although that wasn’t the case as they came within eight minutes of returning home with victory.
The in-form Marco Urena’s volley rescued a point and kept Costa Rica clear in second, now ahead of Panama who are up to third after they comfortably despatched Trinidad and Tobago.
It maintained their unbeaten home record at the Estadio Nacional, which stretches back five years, and ensured, at the very least, they will have a play-off to contest – though they should secure automatic qualification soon.
Mexico have no such worries and, on the night Giovani Dos Santos marked his 100th international appearance, he directly led to the opening goal, his shot turned into his own net by Cristian Gamboa.
But for shot-stopper Keylor Navas, Mexico would have been home and hosed before Urena intervened.
Honduras and Panama await and if form counts for results, the nation which has given us memorable moments such as a 1990 World Cup triumph over Scotland, the seven-goal fest with eventual winners Brazil in 2002, and the double victories over Italy and Uruguay three years ago, could be back entertaining us on all again next summer.
Costa Rica are nearly there!
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