Jonathan Bornstein's header with 30 seconds remaining in stoppage time struck the back of the net with a ferocity that the Costa Ricans felt equally in their hearts, momentarily crushing their World Cup dreams. The goal gave the United States a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica, leaving the Ticos players, fans, and coaches in shock. A devastating moment? Yes. But the end of a 3rd consecutive run to the world cup? No.
The goal that seemed to crush a nation, may be the exact motivation necessary to take the final step in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Costa Rican manager Rene Simoes understands the difficulties that lie ahead in getting his players' mindsets back to where they need to be. "First I have to build their spirits. They are in the dumps. This was a shock to them. Everything was going fine up until the last minute. The game just ended and it's very sad," Simoes said after the game.
The Ticos will be relying on their two leading scorers in qualifying games, Alvaro Saborio and Bryan Ruiz, both having put six in the back of the net.
They will be taking on Uruguay in a home and home aggregate series that starts on November 14th in Uruguay and ends on November 18th in Costa Rica.
The Uruguayans had an equally difficult end to their qualifiers as they battled Argentina for the one remaining South American spot, losing a devastating 1-0 match.
Striker Diego Forlan, who has scored seven goals in qualifying and leads his team, is optimistic of the situation. "What really matters is that our fate is our hands. It hurts because we were so close...We need to realize we are two games away from qualifying and we can do it," he said.
Two nations will rally around their football teams, hoping for one last push into the South African promise land next summer. Tactics aside, we are sure to witness two great games and an intensely fought competition.
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