Bermuda 3 Costa Rica 3
Bermuda’s Under 20 Men’s team produced an inspired performance to claim a hard-fought 3–3 draw against group giants Costa Rica in their Concacaf Under-20 World Cup Qualifier at the Costa Rican Football Federation Field #2 in Alajuela. The result was a significant milestone for head coach Cecoy Robinson’s side, as they faced a nation that had previously won all five of their previous qualifying meetings.
Bermuda Starting Line-Up: - Daniel Powell, Nayan Grant, Emeer Peets, Logan Jimenez, Khari Shareef, Jace Donawa, Xahvi DeRoza, D’ari Coddington, Malachai Belboda, Kennahz Fray, Kalen Brunson - Substitutes - Curtis Jackson, David Martin, Dakari Smith-Davis, Michari Tear-De Leon, Blayz Borgesson, James Morrison, Qur’an Raynor, Isai Gibbons, Daqaio Stewart
Costa Rica entered the contest as heavy favourites, seeking a third consecutive victory to cement their position at the top of Group E. In testing, windy conditions, the hosts appeared to be on course for another win when they broke the deadlock in the 14th minute with a clinical strike from the edge of the penalty area. Bermuda were handed a lifeline in the 20th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but the opportunity was missed, allowing the Costa Ricans to take a slender 1–0 lead into the interval.
The second half began with immediate drama as Bermuda drew level in the 47th minute. A powerful drive from Jace Donawa was parried by the Costa Rican goalkeeper, only for the alert Xahvi DeRoza to pounce on the rebound. It was DeRoza’s second goal of the qualifying tournament and marked the first time the Costa Rican defence had been breached in the campaign.
Bermuda then stunned the hosts in the 60th minute to take a 2–1 lead. DeRoza was again the hero, intercepting a poor back-pass before rounding the keeper to slide the ball into an empty net. Costa Rica fought back to level the scores at 2–2 in the 71st minute, taking advantage of a corner that the Bermudian defence failed to clear.
The lead swung back to Bermuda in the 77th minute when Donawa unleashed a thunderous free kick from the edge of the box that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The drama intensified just two minutes later when Costa Rica were awarded a penalty of their own. Daniel Powell produced a magnificent save to deny the spot-kick, but the relief was short-lived as the hosts managed to bundle the ball home from the resulting corner to ensure the points were shared.
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