Belize fall 6-1 to Costa Rica, ending Gold Cup dreams

Published by [email protected] at March 25, 2025

Posted: Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 9:39 pm CST.

Carlos Bernárdez scored Belize’s only goal against Costa Rica in San Jose on Tuesday. The photo shows him at the FFB Stadium last Friday. Photo Credit: FFB

By Rubén Morales Iglesias:

Belize’s journey in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Preliminary Round came to a tough conclusion on Tuesday, as the Men’s National Team (BMNT) suffered a 6-1 loss to Costa Rica at the Estadio Nacional in San José. While Carlos Bernárdez gave Belize a moment of pride with a second-half goal, it was little consolation in a match where Costa Rica dominated.

Costa Rica started aggressively, scoring four times in the first half: an own goal by Donell Arzu in the opening minute, followed by strikes from Alejandro Bran in the 6th minute, Alonso Martínez in the 8th, and Manfred Ugalde in the 36th. Bran added another stunning long-range goal in the 66th minute, and Alvaro Zamora sealed the 6-1 victory with a strike in the 69th minute.

Bernárdez’s goal came in the second minute of the second half, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse by the Ticos to momentarily narrow the score to 4-1.

On aggregate, Belize were overwhelmed 13-1, with Costa Rica securing their place in the Gold Cup.

However, the two losses have raised questions about the Football Federation of Belize’s (FFB) management of the BMNT’s campaign. Chief among these is the FFFB’s choice not to secure the participation of more experienced players who took a step aside due to disagreements over the per diem stipend and game fee.

Interestingly, not all is rosy for Costa Rica despite their emphatic win. Costa Rican media have expressed concerns over their team’s performance on Friday, noting that errors in this game paled in comparison to their better display during their visit to Belize. For them, this serves as a reminder of areas to refine as the Gold Cup approaches.

For Belize, the focus now shifts to lessons learned and charting a path forward, ensuring stronger performances in future competitions.

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