Q COSTARICA — With the pressure on, Costa Rica’s national team, La Sele, showed real grit. On a thrilling night at the National Stadium in La Sabana, the Ticos defeated Nicaragua 4-1, keeping their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
From the first whistle, the energy was through the roof. Over 30,000 fans packed the stands, backing La Sele all the way. Coach Miguel Herrera knew this match had to be a win—his first in the second round of qualifying—and went with an all-out attacking lineup to seize control early.
The scoreboard opened in the 12th minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy. But Nicaragua fought back hard, quieting the stadium when Junior Arteaga blasted a shot past Keylor Navas.
The Ticos weren’t rattled. Just two minutes later, Martínez found the net again, calming nerves and swinging momentum back to the home side. That goal was a game-changer.
In the second half, the Ticos took no prisoners, adding two more goals to lock down the win. The final moments felt like a formality as Costa Rica played with confidence and steel, fully aware that the journey to the World Cup is far from over.
Right now, Costa Rica sits second in their group with six points, trailing Honduras at eight. Haiti holds third with five, and Nicaragua remains at the bottom with just one point.
The direct ticket to the World Cup is still up for grabs, but the road ahead is tough. November’s matches against Haiti and a home showdown with Honduras will be decisive—a true test of will.
For one night, Costa Ricans smiled again, letting themselves believe that the dream of reaching the 2026 World Cup is still very much alive.
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