Costa Rica show the way to World Cup finals
Costa Rica beat Switzerland 1-0 in a friendly game on Tuesday ahead of next month’s football World Cup in South Africa.
The match, played in Sion in canton Valais, was considered by observers as a test for the Swiss against Chile and Honduras in group matches in South Africa later this month.
Reaction in Switzerland was harsh, pointing out that the Swiss team have not won in their last four games.
Costa Rica’s goal was scored by Winston Parks in the 57th minute. Parks managed to get past three Swiss defenders.
“It was important for morale to win the match. With a little bit of luck we would have equalized,” said Switzerland’s coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.
The German has one more scheduled warmup to change his side’s fortunes, against World Cup holder Italy in Geneva on Saturday.
Switzerland open Group H play against tournament favourite Spain on June 16. They also face Chile and Honduras.
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