In Managua, with the quarter-finals already beyond reach, Costa Rica found a more immediate reason to make the journey count. A 3-0 win over Nicaragua gave Bryan Ruiz’s side its first points in Concacaf Nations League A and moved it away from the danger at the foot of the group.
The wider picture had been settled before kick-off. Curacao and Haiti had each reached nine points from three matches, their results ending the remaining hopes of both Central American neighbours to reach the Nations League quarter-finals. For Costa Rica and Nicaragua, the contest instead became about avoiding one of the bottom two positions, which would bring relegation to League B and could also damage the route towards a Gold Cup place.
Costa Rica turn patience into a clear result
Nicaragua resisted well through the opening half and gave little away, approaching the match without any intention of simply protecting themselves. Juan Cruz Real’s team looked to break quickly whenever the opportunity appeared, but could not turn those transitions into a meaningful finish.
Costa Rica’s greater experience eventually told soon after the interval. Orlando Sinclair opened the scoring in the 57th minute, and Carlos Mora doubled the advantage three minutes later after a defensive mistake from the home side. The two goals changed the mood of an initially tight evening in a matter of moments.
Kengel Michel added the third deep into stoppage time, in the 97th minute, leaving Nicaragua with a result that further complicates its position. The Azul y Blanco remain without a point after three rounds.
Ruiz, the former Costa Rica international now leading the national team, selected a side that reflected the importance of avoiding a further setback. Keylor Navas started in goal, while midfielder Celso Borges was introduced from the bench as Costa Rica protected and then extended its lead.
The group still has a tense lower half
Costa Rica’s first three points offer some relief, although the group remains crowded behind its two leaders. Curacao and Haiti sit on nine points, with the Dominican Republic still in contention on six. Nicaragua have yet to collect a point, while Trinidad and Tobago are also without one.
For Nicaragua, the closing fixtures now carry the weight of survival in the competition’s top tier. Costa Rica, meanwhile, leave Managua with a result that does not revive their quarter-final ambitions, but does preserve a valuable measure of control over their Nations League future.
