In an entertaining game which saw four goals scored and endless chances created, it was the Caribbean underdogs who will be the happier of the two teams as the Group B opener saw Costa Rica and Jamaica battle to 2-2 draw at the StubHub Center.
Costa Rica dominated possession throughout the game, but for the first half hour seemed to lack a purpose to their possession. Despite holding the ball for long stretches, they were unable to generate any real chances on goal. Poor defending by the Costa Rica back line allowed Garath McCleary to give Jamaica the lead in the 13th minute on a throw in that was launched into the box like a corner kick. Junior Diaz misread the bounce as it went over his head to McCleary, who Diaz had been marking, for the finish.
Following the goal Jamaica had a spell of possession and chances, but were unable to add to their lead. Roy Miller’s goal off a nicely worked set piece in the 33rd minute seemed to spark Costa Rica back to life, as they added a second through David Ramirez in the 37th minute.
Jamaica’s Jobi McAnuff rounded out the scoring just after the half, bursting through the Costa Rican midfield and defense before finishing to level the score.
It was an odd game for the Ticos in that while they dominated possession 62%-38% through short, patient passing, their best chances came off of long balls on the counter-attack. Jamaica, meanwhile, played a disciplined, deep defensive line for most of the game, before pressing to try and get the winner late.
For Jamaica, they’ll take a well earned point which could be key to finishing second in Group B or possibly even sneaking into first. Costa Rica will be disappointed not to have held on for the win after dominating for long spells, and the pressure continues to build on Paulo Wanchope, who still has yet to record a victory since being named Head Coach.
The teams both play again on Saturday, with Jamiaca facing Canada at 6:30pm Eastern in a huge game as the teams battle likely for second place in Group B. Costa Rica takes on El Salvador at 9pm Eastern at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.
