The slim margin of error made for two exciting exhibitions matches between Mexico and Costa Rica on the 14th and 15th of February in Mexico City
Two styles of play were employed in the international friendly matches played by El Tricolor and Los Ticos. One style was tight, defensive, and tactical. The Mexicans used this on Saturday the 14th in a 2-1 win over the offense starved Costa Ricans. The second match was a complete turnaround with the hosts unleashing all their weapons and offensive firepower in a thrilling and back-and-forth overtime 5-4 win. The matches were played in the heart of the Mexican capital, Mexico city, much to the pleasure of the locals.
Despite the low-scoring matchup, day one was just as entertaining as day two. In the first game, there were goals in every period, but the Mexican side survived by a score of 2-1. Los Manitos scored first, in both the first and second periods. The first goal was beautifully set-up from a throw-in, when the Mexican star, Cati, directed home the shot in spectacular fashion. One of the most exciting plays in all of sports, is the penalty kick and Luna did not miss late in the period to give his side the 2-0 lead going into the final frame. Costa Rica upped their energy in the final period and scored on a penalty from Downer to put their opponents on their heels, all the while stopping all of the Mexican attacks. The lone goal of the period would not be enough as Mexico held on to secure the slimmest of victories, 2-1.
Los Matacampeones struck early in the final match and took their first lead of the weekend. The lead was not safe, however, as the period ended with the one score, at 1-0 for Costa Rica. The confidence began to grow for Los Ticos, especially after Downer scored for the second time in two days, to put his squad up 2-0 going into the final frame. Things looked more comfortable for the visitors when Sánchez scored the third goal to go up 3-0. That goal sparked the Mexicans to wake up and they scored three straight goals from Gómez, González, and Rodríguez to level things at three. The Costa Ricans could have collapsed under the pressure but pressure but instead restored a one goal lead on a strike from Campos. The Mexicans tied it in the final minutes and carried all the momentum going into overtime, and it showed as they closed the match out on a goal from A. Rodríguez, sealing the 5-4 win for Mexico.
The exhibition matches were a great display of CONCACAF beach soccer and growth, considering the fact that Mexico is fresh off their 1st place finish at the BSWW Tour – Copa Beach Soccer Viña del Mar 2015. Both Costa Rica and Mexico are also preparing for the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships El Salvador 2015 (FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015 – CONCACAF Qualifier El Salvador), set to begin the 27th of March. The top two sides in that event will earn a spot in the World Cup in Portugal this year.
