Costa Rica manager Oscar Antonio Ramirez Hernandez opted for a 5-4-1 formation to open the Copa America Centenario against Paraguay on Saturday. This surprised almost everyone, as Los Ticos were expected to dominate this fixture in terms of possession and were also tipped to win comfortably.
Costa Rica
P.P. Bernard (GK) - 7. With both teams rarely creating some kind of threat on the other side of the pitch, neither goalkeeper had a lot to do. Bernard was called to parry a couple of headers late in the second half, but besides that, he was more like a ticket-less spectator.
C.G. Luna (RB) - 7. Despite being utilized as a right back in a five-man defensive live, Gamboa was one of the few players who tried to push forward and be dangerous from the right flank. However, his crosses were never met by a Costa Rican colleague upfront.
K. Waston (CB) - 4.5. His performance deserved a 6 or even a 7, but his useless and reckless foul in the middle of the pitch, in injury time, which cost him an expulsion, has diminished his performance. Ahead of their fixtures against the USA and Colombia, this red card compromises the plans for manager Hernandez.
J.A. Zamora (CB) - 7. It is not that difficult playing in a five-man back line against a mediocre offensive line like Paraguay's. However, his performance was instrumental for his team as his colleagues rely on him for his experience that he transmits to them.
O.D. Gaitan (CB) - 7. Another pivotal man at the back who annulled Benitez and Lezcano on a couple of occasions. Can be one of their best players throughout this tournament.
R. Matarrita (LB) - 7. The NYCFC man was probably Costa Rica's best player. He tried to push forward, he whipped in crosses, he was found sometimes in Paraguay's box and he showed a lot of confidence on and off the ball.
C.B. Mora (RM) - 6. Lacked creativity, though he had no one to pass to. Was crucial in the final minutes of the match, when Costa Rica gave the illusion of trying to win this match.
Y.T. Valverde (CM)/ R. Azofeifa (CM) - 5/5. Neither positive or negative. An ambigous performance by Tejada, who was brought off on the hour mark. Azofeifa stuck to the defensive orders set out by Hernandez, as he anchored himself in front of the back five.
B. Ruiz (CM)/ C. Bolanos (CM) - 6/6.5. Costa Rica's hopes are on all his shoulders. But in a 5-4-1 formation, Ruiz cannot be influencial. Made a couple of errors in the midfield, but also tried to create something upfront, even though all in vain. On the other hand, Bolanos made use of the ten minutes he played by trying to push forward, and he was involved on a couple of occasions which saw Costa Rica go close to breaking the deadlock.
J. Campbell (LM)/J. Venegas (LM) - 6/6. Pace, pace and pace. The Arsenal man tried to use his pace but was constantly double teamed by the opponents. Could still be a lethal weapon for Los Ticos in this tournament. His replacement, Venegas, was not able to do better than Campbell as he was denied by the defensive tactics applied by Hernandez.
M.U. Porras (CF) - 5. Well, he was put as a striker on the team sheet, but it is highly doubtful that he was assigned offensive tasks by the coach. Rarely seen upfront and failed to lift the team forward.