Ireland are now five games without a win and last night in Philadelphia even the prospect of lifting the Freedon Cup was not enough to inspire Martin O’Neill’s side to victory against Costa Rica.
The game was remarkably competitive for a friendly, with that spirit spilling over into outright foul play on occasion, most notably when Kevin Doyle received an elbow to the face that required 5 stitches.
A 1-1 draw proved to be a far result, and Costa Rica would have felt aggrieved to have lost. The Central American side were reduced to 10 men in the first half but battled back impressively to level the game in the second half.
Ireland took the lead when Kevin Doyle headed home well on 18 minutes. It was Doyle’s first goal for Ireland in almost 2 years. Shortly before half-time the striker was nursing a deep head wound following an elbow by Costa Rica’s Giancarlo Gonzalez. Referee Raul Castro showed Gonzalez a red card for the foul.
Ireland failed to capitalise on their advantage however, and the second half was more rearguard action than unshackled attacking exhibition.
Costa Rica levelled the game shortly after the hour with a converted penalty from Celso Borges that resulted from a David Forde foul.
Robbie Keane had the chance to win the game but instead compounded an evening of frustration and minor disappointment with the rare act of missing from the spot.
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