Costa Rica dominated Belice on March 25, 2025, at the Estadio Nacional in San José, securing a decisive victory of 6-1 in the second leg of the preliminary round for the 2025 Copa Oro. With an aggregate score of 13-1, Costa Rica’s impressive performance showcased their attacking prowess under the guidance of new head coach Miguel 'Piojo' Herrera. This win further solidified their position going into the tournament.
The match kicked off at 19:00 hours, and the anticipation in the stadium was palpable as fans filled the stands. Costa Rica, having already triumphed over Belice with a staggering 7-0 score in their first leg, entered this match with confidence and a determination to assert their dominance.
The opening minutes of the game set the tone. Just one minute in, Belice gifted Costa Rica an early goal through an own goal by Donell Arzu, providing an early lead for the Ticos. This blunder set the stage for what would unfold as a goal-scoring festival.
By the seventh minute, Alejandro Bran extended the lead with a powerful shot from outside the area, further intensifying the one-sided contest. Breaking through the beleaguered Belice defense, Alonso Martínez added another goal just moments later, bringing the score to 3-0. Costa Rica seemed to have control over the game, and it was clear that Belice struggled to keep pace.
In a show of overwhelming dominance, Manfred Ugalde found the net with a header from a Joseph Mora cross in the 36th minute, marking the fourth goal of the night. Costa Rica led 4-0 at halftime, much to the delight of their fans who filled the Estadio Nacional with cheers. Meanwhile, Belice's hopes dwindled as they sought a way to respond but were unable to escape Costa Rica’s relentless onslaught.
As the second half unfolded, both teams returned to the field with renewed determination. However, disaster struck for Belice just two minutes into the second half when Carlos Bernardez capitalized on an error from Costa Rica's defense to score their only goal of the match. Nonetheless, the goal barely dampened the spirits of the Costa Rican side.
In response, Alejandro Bran netted his second of the game with another spectacular long-range shot in the 65th minute, slamming the ball into the top corner of the net. His performance definitely caught the eye of the spectators and highlighted his importance in the squad.
Alvaro Zamora rounded out the scoring for Costa Rica, netting the sixth goal after receiving a precise pass from Andy Rojas, securing the final score at 6-1.
Despite their overall dominance, the match was not without its challenges. In the 28th minute, Gerald Taylor had to be substituted due to a left knee sprain, which raised concerns about his fitness moving forward in the tournament.
The victory also sparked discussions about the team’s potential heading into the tournament, with Coach Herrera emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum and refining their strategies for the next stages. Costa Rica’s combination of seasoned players and young talent demonstrates their strong future in international football.
As Costa Rica prepares for the Copa Oro, they have already displayed their capacity for teamwork, creativity, and resilience on the field. Key players like Bran, Ugalde, and Zamora showcased their goal-scoring abilities during this match, and fans will be hopeful that this performance translates into success in the larger tournament.
With their place secured in the Copa Oro, the Ticos will look to build upon this success and carry their winning momentum into the competitive landscape of international football. The trip to the tournament promises to be an exciting one for fans and players alike as they look to make their mark in the upcoming matches.
