(GFWC Match 16) Costa Rica Tops Group H with Win Over Libya

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June 19th, 2018 (GFWC Match 16)

Costa Rica Tops Group H with Win Over Libya

Costa Rica 2-0 Libya

 

Costa Rica has topped Group H after a 2-0 win over Libya, with goals from Ruiz and Ureña. 

 

Costa Rica slowly worked into the game, as did the Libyans. The Central American side had a chance early, only for Borges to miss. 

 

In the 21^stminute, Tejeda, Costa Rica’s defensive midfielder, crossed the ball from right to a backtracking Ruiz. Ruiz turned and headed to goal, finding the top left corner.

 

Libya slowly worked their way back into the game. Six minutes after Ruiz’s goal, striker Zubya had a chance. Costa Rican goalkeeper Navas managed to lean down and protect his goal, before Gamboa cleared the ball away.

 

After the break, Costa Rica gained the advantage they needed with the Libyan defenders scrambling as Venegas attacked. Goalkeeper Nashnoush rushed out and stopped his shot, only for the ball to pop up to Ureña. He struck the ball first time into the open goal and the Costa Rican players could breathe with the two-goal buffer.

 

Al-Warfali had a chance to score on the hour mark, but the shot drove into the crowd. Eight minutes later, Elhouni had an opportunity from a similar position dead in front on goal, but with more pressure from the Costa Rican defenders, the mild shot slid wide. 

 

Costa Rica had a chance to go three goals ahead with substitute Azofeifa, but his one-on-one early shot fired to the right of goal. Five minutes later, Azofeifa had a free header, this time missing to the left. Costa Rica finished the game and with the two goals, gained first placing in Group H.

 

Costa Rica now look to Sunday’s game against England, where they have a chance to knock out the European side. Passing accuracy needs to improve, as they know England will be forcing turnovers wherever possible. Libya will recover from this game and rearrange their defence to thwart an attacking Ecuadorian side that can taste qualification for the Round of 16.

 

 

 

Costa Rica	2-0		Libya
9 3 52 24 1 0 33 73	Shots Shots on Target Possession % Tackles Fouls Corners Shot Accuracy % Pass Accuracy %		4 2 48 15 1 0 50 83
21’ #10 Ruiz (#17 Tejeda assist) 33’ #17 Tejeda  47’ #21 Ureña (#11 Venegas assist)  58’ #15 Guzman off, #7 Bolaños on      63’ #21 Ureña off, #14 Azofeifa on  73’ #17 Tejeda off, #22 Matarrita on		60’ #22 Anis Mohamed Saltou off, #20 Mohamed Al Ghanodi on      73’ #3 Motasem Sabbou off, #15 Ahmed El Trbi on  73’ #19 Mohammad Zubya off, #17 Mohamed Elgadi on