MIAMI – Costa Rica exited the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 1-nil loss to Argentina in Group F on Sunday at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogotá, Colombia.
Captain Genesis Perez was a pillar of the game from the first minutes, pulling out a save in the 2’ and being called upon in the 10’.
Argentina found a way to get past Perez in the 18’, as Kishi Nunez struck from midfield for the lone goal of the encounter.
Sianyf Aguero attempted to equalize for Costa Rica in the 52’, but her shot was wide of the right post.
Argentina had the chance to double its lead in the 66’, but Perez once again was the key player, keeping the score down within one.
Daniela Ocampo had an attempt for Costa Rica in the 77’, but was denied by Argentina goalkeeper Paulina Aprile.
The Central Americans didn’t stop trying, having another chance to score in the final minutes of regular time. Herrera struck from a free kick in the 82’ but the attempt ended in Aprile’s gloves.
Joselyn Briseno had one last free-kick attempt for Costa Rica in the 90’+7’, but her attempt went to the crossbar. Saray Benavides tried to take advantage of the rebound with a header towards goal, but Aprile made the stop to seal the win for the South Americans.
Costa Rica ends its participation in the tournament with a 0W-0D-3L record. With Las Ticas’ exit, three Concacaf nations remain in the fray for the trophy: Canada, Mexico, and the United States will play in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.
