Football

Costa Rica's Copa America campaign ended in disappointment as they failed to advance to the quarter-finals despite a 2-1 victory over Paraguay in their final Group D match.The Ticos entered the match needing a win and a favorable result in the other group game between Brazil and Colombia. However, Brazil's 1-1 draw with Colombia meant that Costa Rica finished third in the group with four points.Costa Rica made a bright start and took the lead within three minutes when Francisco Calvo headed home from close range. Josimar Alcocer doubled their advantage just four minutes later with a stunning strike from outside the box.Paraguay came out fighting in the second half and pulled a goal back through Ramon Sosa in the 55th minute. The Ticos held on for the win but it was not enough to secure a place in the knockout stages.Costa Rica coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his team's performance but admitted that they were unlucky not to qualify."We had our strengths, our achievements, and our mistakes, but we grew and we're analyzing the performance rather than the results," Alfaro said. "The important thing is that we learn and that this was a very short tournament that we had to seize to the fullest."Paraguay, meanwhile, finished the tournament with three losses in three matches. Coach Daniel Garnero was disappointed with his team's performance and said that he would discuss his future with the association."It was a bad tournament, a bad performance," Garnero said. "I am here because the association requested my services and if they don't want me to continue, that is their decision. I'll have to discuss that with them."

Brazil's Copa America campaign began with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Costa Rica, while Colombia emerged victorious in their opening match with a 2-1 triumph over Paraguay.Brazil, seeking their 10th Copa America title, controlled the game in Group D at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but they struggled to penetrate Costa Rica's resolute defense. The Brazilians believed they had broken the deadlock in the 30th minute when Marquinhos converted a flick-on from Rodrygo, but VAR intervened and ruled the goal offside by a narrow margin.Despite dominating possession with 73.5%, Brazil failed to create clear-cut chances, registering only three shots on target. Costa Rica, on the other hand, adopted a defensive approach, sitting back and rarely threatening Brazil's goal.In the other Group D match, Colombia secured a deserved 2-1 victory over Paraguay at Houston's NRG Stadium. James Rodriguez inspired the Colombians, scoring a stunning free-kick in the 71st minute to secure the win.Colombia's victory puts them atop Group D, while Brazil and Costa Rica share second place with one point each. Paraguay remains at the bottom of the group with no points.