Costa Rica 2-1 Paraguay: Player ratings as Los Ticos beat Albirroja in a consolation victory

Costa Rica beat Paraguay 2-1 in their last group fixture of the 2024 Copa America, but it wasn’t enough to help them progress to the quarter-finals. Quickfire goals from Francisco Calvo and Josimar Alcocer inside the opening 10 minutes of the game gave the Los Ticos a 2-0 cushion in the match.

Ramon Sosa pulled one back for Paraguay in the 55th minute as the Albirroja threatened to fight their way back into the tie, but ultimately fell short in their endeavors. Following a third consecutive defeat, and no points to show, they finished rock-bottom in Group D, whereas Costa Rica came in at third.

Costa Rica National Football Team Player Ratings vs Paraguay

Goalkeeper

Patrick Sequeira – 7.5/10: Made five saves to keep Costa Rica in the match

Defenders

Jeyland Mitchell – 8/10: Positionally aware and physically dominant; made eight clearances and four tackles

Juan Vargas – 8/10: Guarded the backline with authority, making seven clearances, two interceptions and blocking two shots

Francisco Calvo – 8.5/10: Put his side in front after only three minutes

Midfielders

Gerald Taylor – 6/10: Defensively good but couldn’t help build anything going forward

Orlando Galo – 6/10: Misplaced a couple of passes and was run over at time by Paraguay in midfield

Jefferson Brenes – 7/10: He set up Alcocer for their second goal of the night

Joseph Mora – 7/10: He created a chance for Calvo to score their opening goal

Forward

Joel Campbell – 7/10: Hounded the Paraguayan defenders for the ball and came up trumps most of the time

Warren Madrigal – 6/10: Couldn’t offer much attacking threat

Josimar Alcocer – 7.5/10: Doubled Costa Rica’s advantage in the seventh minute

Substitutes

Alvaro Zamora – 6/10

Brandon Aguilera – 6/10

Alejandro Bran – 5.5/10

Anthony Contreras – 6/10

Julio Cascante – N/A

Manager

Gustavo Alfaro – 7.5/10

Also Read: Vinicius Jr to miss 2024 Copa America quarter-finals for Brazil

Paraguay National Football Team Player Ratings vs Costa Rica

Goalkeeper

Rodrigo Morinigo – 5/10: Faced only two shots and came a cropper for both

Defenders

Gustavo Velazquez – 6.5/10: Manned the area well and demonstrated his aerial prowess

Fabian Balbuena – 7.5/10: A defensive masterclass from him, having made four clearances, five interceptions and five tackles, while winning five ground duels

Omar Alderete – 6/10: Caught off-guard early on when Costa Rica started brightly

Nestor Gimenez – 7/10: Drove forward well and contributed nicely in attack

Midfielders

Damian Bobadilla – 6/10: Offered no resistance to Costa Rica’s movements

Mathias Villasanti – 7/10: Assisted Sosa for their goal in the second half

Forwards

Miguel Almiron – 6/10: Lacked his usual attacking flair

Julio Enciso – 7.5/10: Created a few good chances for his attacking cohorts

Ramon Sosa – 7.5/10: Cut their deficit in the second half by taking his chance well

Adam Bareiro – 6/10: Couldn’t test the Paraguayan defense enough

Substitutes

Hernesto Caballero – 6/10

Angel Romero – 6/10

Ivan Ramirez – 6.5/10

Kaku – 6.5/10

Derlis Gonzalez – 6/10

Manager

Daniel Garnero – 6/10

Also Read: Brazil vs Colombia Key Highlights as Selecao finish second in Group D following 1-1 draw