Gustavo Alfaro’s debut at the helm of Costa Rica was not as expected after being beaten 3-0 at home last Thursday by Panama in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. An hour into the game, the duel was already sealed by the goals of Michael Murillo, José Fajardo and Cecilio Watermann.
The hope that the Argentine coach had tried to sow quickly disappeared with what the team did in the duel played at the Saprissa stadium. The humiliation suffered was to such a point that after 70 minutes the home crowd shouted “ole” at every pass from the visiting team, and with 10 minutes left the stands began to empty.
A journalist exploded against the team for the level shown: “They are dancing with us, they are humiliating us, they are making us blush and shaming us in our own home. Take some shame out of it, how irresponsible to play like this with this fan who came to support and leaves saddened and embarrassed. Panama is winning 0-3 and it is unforgivable to see that apathy, those heads down, they have no courage or anything at all. This selection was very poorly directed, very poorly called. “What is happening is shameful and embarrassing.”
At a press conference, Alfaro was forceful: “There are defeats that hurt and defeats that teach; this has to be a defeat that teaches. We are in a construction stage and we have to look for solidity in its lines. The party leaves a lot in the way and they are the things we have to accept. The responsibility is mine, I am the one who makes the decisions. I asked the players not to lose their pride and to leave with their heads held high, because we have to correct quickly.”
Luckily for the former Ecuador national team strategist, the revenge will be quick because on Monday he will play the second leg, although it seems difficult to overcome such a difference. The four countries that advance to the round will get a ticket to the Copa América 2024, which will be held in the United States.
2023-11-17 23:51:08
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