At 9:05 Beijing time on March 31, the final round of the North American region of the World Preliminary Tournament: Costa Rica hosted the United States. In the event, Costa Rica must win a big victory to have the hope of direct promotion, otherwise it can only play the intercontinental play-offs next, and the United States can ensure direct promotion to the 2022 World Cup as long as it loses a small score.
The United States started 433, Pulisic, Pepi, T. Wea formed a forward trident, midfielders Acosta, Adams, Moussa, four-back Robinson, Miles Robinson, Walker Zimmerman, Jedrin, goalkeeper Steffen. The total value of the starting eleven is 130 million euros.
Costa Rica started 541, centre forward Anthony Contreras, midfielder Bennett, Aguilera, Gallo, Carlos Mora, five defenders Lawrence, Vargas, Watson, Daniel Chacon, Carlos Martinez, goalkeeper Navas, yes, Navas, one of the main goalkeepers of Ligue 1 supremacy Paris. However, the total value of this starting eleven is only 12.75 million euros.
After the game began, the United States, which was stronger overall, took the lead in attacking. In the 8th minute, the American corner kick, Chelsea star Pulisic drove out, inside the box at the back point Robinson volleyed the goal, was taken by the responsive Navas.
In the 14th minute, Via went straight into the penalty area, Pepi hit the goal from a tight angle, and was saved by Navas.
In the 22nd minute, the American corner, or Pulisic came to drive, Robinson's header hit the top of the goal.
In the 32nd minute, Robinson's shot was deflected off the line by Navasto.
The United States obviously did not "do death" Mexico "release water" Costa Rica's meaning, after all, Mexico played a smooth promotion, the home field can not lose to the weak team Salvador, but unfortunately a fierce attack, have been the former Real Madrid goal god Navas to defuse.
In the second half, the United States continued to strengthen the attack, in the 48th minute, the United States left free kick, drove into the box, Robinson's header to the goal, was saved by Navas, Acosta shot again was released by the defender goal line, Pepi made up for the shot again.
After the United States squandered good opportunities, Costa Rica's offensive opportunities came. In the 51st minute, a Costa Rican corner kick was opened and Vargas headed the ball in the net! Costa Rica leads the United States 1:0.
In the 59th minute, Costa Rica extended the score, still scoring on a set-piece, a free kick from the left, Steffen did not hit far, Contreras' shot was saved, Lawrence passed the ball to the goal, Andrélas followed up to shoot the ball in. Costa Rica 2:0 USA.
In the 78th minute, Navas struck out injured and was replaced by Alvarado. Costa Rica maintained a 2-0 score until the end, but this score was not enough to ensure that Costa Rica directly advanced.
In the final table of the North American region in the World Preliminary Round, Canada ranked first with 28 points, Mexico ranked second with a 28-point goal difference, the United States ranked third with 25 points, and Costa Rica ranked fourth with a 25-point difference. Canada, Mexico and the United States directly qualify for the 2022 World Cup, and Costa Rica will compete for a World Cup spot in the intercontinental play-offs with New Zealand, the first place in the Oceania qualifiers.