The disparity between these two teams seemed evident coming in via the FIFA Rankings. Costa Rica is 56th, Cuba 81st. By the end of the day, the disparity would show on the scoreboard as well at Cowboy Stadium.
Honestly it looked like Cuba might hold their own through the opening minutes. They had some possession, but while they weren't really putting any pressure on the Costa Rican defense, they weren't giving it up to Costa Rica either. The men in red did get a couple of chances on the break, but no goals early.
Then Costa Rica got possession and you could feel the goals coming. Cuba's defense must have stayed in Havana for this one. In the 7th minute, Urena knifed through the previously mentioned poor Cuban defense, and put it past a bewildered keeper to make it 1-0 to Costa Rica.
Things didn't get any better for the Cubans throughout the rest of the first half either. The match commentary reads as one Costa Rican shot after another. In the 23rd minute RSL's Alvaro Saborio came very close, but dinked it off the post. Sabo put one in the net in the 37th, minute only to have it called back for offside. Finally Sabo got the goal in the 41st to put Costa Rica up 2-0 at the break.
Cuba must not have fancied their chances in the 2nd half, but turns out they stayed in locker room. At least their defense did. Costa Rica doubled their lead, scoring two goals in the first 2 minutes. One by Urena again, and the other by Mora to make 4-0. The Cuban keeper looked like he was gonna cry. Can't blame him, he got no help from his defense.
The goal of the match came in the 71st. Campbell, who had previously missed for Costa Rica, found himself totally unmarked on the angle. He made a gorgeous strike and put it in the corner far post to seal the victory for Costa Rica, 5-0.
All in all, pretty easy match for Costa Rica. They got their stars a nice run out and some goals. That nice goal differential could come in handy later in the tournament. From a RSL fan's perspective, it was great to see Sabo play well and score. I don't really see Cuba giving anyone any trouble in the tournament. Sorry, just calling it like I see it.
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