Costa Rica 2 - Panama 0

San Jose and a slick, wet pitch was the scene for the final 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier of June 2013.  Costa Rica welcomed neighbors Panama into town for the occasion.  The rain prevented much attacking from taking place in the opening forty-five minutes.  The ball stayed in the midfield for the most part as neither time wished to make the early mistake.  0-0 was the score at the break.

Two minutes into the second half, Costa Rica found themselves with a close free kick.  Brian Ruiz sent in a rolling ball that evaded every player in the Panamanian defense and a near touch from teammate Alvaro Saborio (pictured, red).  The ball went straight into the goal off Ruiz's foot.  The Ticos had the 1-0 lead.  Shortly thereafter, Celso Borges connected with a thirty-two-yard wonder strike slip-and-slide style that was sent on a rope into the upper ninety.  Costa Rica had doubled their lead to two goals.  The rest of the match provided little action other than a shoving match after the final whistle.  Costa Rica win 2-0 and move into second place in the CONCACAF table.

USA 13 pts +4
Costa Rica 11 pts +4
Mexico 8 pts +1
Honduras 7 pts -1
Panama 6 pts -2
Jamaica 2 pts -6

Goals
Costa Rica
Bryan Ruiz 47
Celso Borges 51

Match Reports:
http://www.ticotimes.net/More-news/News-Briefs/Costa-Rica-on-path-to-2014-World-Cup-with-2-0-win-over-Panama-_Wednesday-June-19-2013

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4ACZmlp3PU

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj0MwKoeqXg (1st half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Lz3fo6No0 (2nd half)