ORLANDO, Florida.- Suriname learned just how hard it is to close out a result in the Gold Cup in its Friday night match against Costa Rica. The team scored its first-ever goal in the competition to take a 1-0 lead in the 52nd minute, but saw its chances of win unravel with successive goals from Los Ticos.
The defeat saw Suriname bow out of the Gold Cup competition, but there is still plenty of pride from the South American country. Considering it was the Nation's first-ever appearance in the competition, this was a valuable learning experience for the team. Gleofilo Vlijter scored the country's historic first goal and is proud of what he saw from his teammates.
“We came in the game as underdogs," Vlijter said. "This is our first Gold Cup. I think we did fairly well, aside from the loss...I think we need to focus better but overall, it was a nice game."
Suriname team captain Ryan Donk shared the same sentiment.
“[We are] devasted, of course, you lose a game," he said to Concacaf.com. "In one minute, it was all upside down, but I still think the fighting spirit was [impressive]...We know we can play against the big countries, but you need to prepare yourself better."
Costa Rica manager Luis Fernando Suarez said his team's mentality was key for the win. After a slow start, Los Ticos turned things around.
“In the first half, Suriname showed it can be assertive," Suarez explained. "We were just watching the opposing team play [and] it's not the best for us. You always have to value all the teams, you have to respect everyone."
It was also a special win for Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell. The former Arsenal player celebrated his 100th cap for the national team.
Suarez revealed to Concacaf.com that Los Ticos prepared a special jersey for Campbell to celebrate in case he scored. Campbell would notch the equalizer in the 58th minute but declined to show it off. Neither Suarez nor Campell wanted to celebrate the equalizer. They wanted to ensure they got the win.
It gives an insight into Costa Rica's ambition in this year's tournament.
