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 has been chosen to host the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, marking a historic moment for women's football in South America. The decision was made at a FIFA congress in Bangkok, where Brazil's bid triumphed over a joint proposal from Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany.The tournament will be the first Women's World Cup to be held in South America, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the development of women's football in the region. Brazil, home to legendary player Marta, has a strong footballing tradition and is eager to showcase its passion for the sport.FIFA's evaluation report highlighted Brazil's impressive infrastructure, including 10 stadiums used in the 2014 men's World Cup. The iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro will host the opening match and the final. However, some work is needed to upgrade certain stadiums, particularly the Amazonia stadium in Manaus.The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has faced some challenges in recent years, including legal issues involving its president. However, the country remains committed to hosting a successful tournament.Brazil's women's team has yet to win the World Cup, but they will be hoping to make a strong run on home soil. The 2023 edition of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand saw a record number of fans and a surge in interest in women's football.The 2027 World Cup is expected to continue this trend, with FIFA aiming to further expand the reach of women's football. The tournament will also highlight the growing financial disparity between men's and women's football, with the prize money for the 2023 Women's World Cup being significantly lower than that of the 2022 men's tournament.The FIFA congress also discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) calling for Israel to be suspended from the organization. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the body would take independent legal advice on the matter and make a decision by July 20.