On March 25, 2025, Costa Rica's national football team, managed by Miguel Herrera, celebrated a commanding victory over Belize with a global score of 13-1, confirming their spot in the upcoming Copa Oro. With this impressive scoreline, the Ticos showcased their dominance consistently throughout the two legs, having won the first match 7-0 and followed it up with a 6-1 triumph in the second leg.
The drama began almost immediately in the second leg match held at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica. Just one minute into the game, Belize's Donell Arzú suffered the misfortune of scoring an own goal, giving Costa Rica an early lead. This blunder set the tone for a disastrous outing for the Belizean team, who struggled to contain an assertive Costa Rican side.
Not long after, Alejandro Bran capitalized on the momentum, netting Costa Rica's second goal just five minutes into the match. By the eighth minute, Alonso Martínez added a third, effectively quashing any hopes Belize may have harbored for a comeback. The first half continued in similar fashion, with Manfred Ugalde getting on the scoresheet shortly before halftime, bringing the tally to 4-0.
Despite the heavy deficit, Belize tried to find some spark after the break, and they managed to get on the board thanks to Carlos Bernardez, who scored their only goal of the tie. Bernardez's goal came about due to a lack of communication between Costa Rican defenders Calvo and Gamboa. Following the goal, Miguel Herrera urged his team to maintain focus and respect their opponents, even though qualification was already secure.
In a display of attacking prowess, Alejandro Bran responded by scoring his second goal of the match from outside the penalty area, showcasing the skill and determination of the Costa Rican players. Álvaro Zamora capped off the scoring with a beautifully turned shot near the penalty spot, solidifying the final score at 6-1 in the match, thus wrapping up the overall score at 13-1.
This significant achievement marked the first chapter of Miguel Herrera's tenure with the Costa Rican national team, having been appointed with the mission to bring success after the high hopes of past tournaments had often ended in disappointment. Costa Rica's fans are hopeful that this qualification will lead to a successful campaign in the upcoming Copa Oro, where they have previously excelled.
Historically, Costa Rica has faced challenges in recent Cup competitions, notably being eliminated in the quarter-finals in the 2023 edition after falling 3-0 to Mexico. Fans are eager for redemption and are optimistic as the team embarks on this new journey. Moreover, the last time Costa Rica lifted the Copa Oro trophy was in 1989, and they have not featured in a final since 2002. These figures weigh heavily on the collective ambition driving the players and coaching staff.
The upcoming tournament will see them join other confirmed participants such as Mexico, Canada, the United States, and several Caribbean teams seeking glory. With 15 of the 16 teams already confirmed, Costa Rica is set on making their mark and once again establishing themselves as a force in North American football.
As the preparations for the Copa Oro advance, the players are looking to harness their recent successes and build momentum. Miguel Herrera, who has been a pivotal figure since his appointment, will undoubtedly motivate his squad to aim for nothing less than the top. For Costa Rican fans, the excitement will be palpable as they root for their national side to deliver results on the grand stage.
Overall, Costa Rica's performance against Belize not only showcases their footballing ability but also reiterates their determination and space for improvement as they navigate the challenges faced head-on in the Copa Oro. This recent victory serves as a solid foundation for a potential campaign filled with hope and ambition.
