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Despite both teams being knocked all that was left to play for was pride
Costa Rica concluded their 2024 Copa América journey on a high note with a 2-1 victory over Paraguay at Q2 Stadium in Austin, although it wasn't enough to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
The Ticos came into the match knowing they needed a win and a series of favorable outcomes elsewhere to advance, making their mission daunting from the start.
Right from kickoff, Costa Rica displayed intent and urgency. They swiftly found themselves two goals up within the first 10 minutes, stunning Paraguay with clinical finishing.
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11:56 - 02.07.2024
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Francisco Calvo opened the scoring with a close-range header from Joseph Mora's precise cross, before Josimar Alcócer doubled the lead with a precise strike from outside the box.
Paraguay, already eliminated after lackluster performances in previous matches, struggled to muster a response. Julio Enciso's attempt, which was tipped wide by Costa Rican goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira, was their only notable chance in the first half.
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11:30 - 02.07.2024
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As the game progressed, Costa Rica maintained hope that an unlikely scenario involving results in the concurrent match between Brazil and Colombia could still see them through.
However, Paraguay managed to pull one back early in the second half through Ramon Sosa's superb curling effort into the top corner, despite Sequeira's best efforts to deny him.
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22:19 - 02.07.2024
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With their pride at stake, Paraguay pressed forward in search of an equalizer. Enciso came close again with a long-range effort that narrowly missed, while Sosa tested Sequeira with a strong shot near the post.
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18:56 - 02.07.2024
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Ultimately, Costa Rica managed to hold on to their lead and secure the victory, finishing their Copa América campaign with a respectable four points. Meanwhile, Paraguay endured a disappointing tournament, failing to register a single point for the first time since 1925. Their focus now shifts to preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to resume in September.
For Costa Rica, despite not progressing to the knockout stages, the win against Paraguay provides a positive ending and serves as a platform for future international endeavors under coach's guidance
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