Costa Rica, who along with Mexico represent the two Concacaf nations present in the current edition of the Copa America, lost rather expectedly to Colombia on Saturday afternoon. What certainly wasn't expected was the margin of defeat, a mere one goal to nil.
I didn't watch the match, but was curious as to the outcome considering that the Ticos belong to a group of countries - that since the Gold Cup has unfortunately grown to include Honduras, Panama, Jamaica, El Salvador and Guatemala - Canada must battle fiercely for the 1.5 World Cup qualifying spots available to Concacaf countries beyond Mexico and the U.S.
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Losing to the Colombian A-Team by only one goal is a great result for the Ticos, considering they played most of the match with 10 men following a straight red to Randall Brenes in the 28th minute. I'd add that it's an even greater result when you consider that they sent what is essentially an U22 squad to the tournament. (Coincidentally, Brenes is the one player over 24 on the team.)
Yes, opening-night jitters often bring about unexpected results in the first few matches of any international tournament, but to lose by only one goal to a mid-level South American side featuring players like maybe-Chelsea transfer target Radamel Falcao would be an acceptable result for any Concacaf country outside the Big Two, nevermind one of their youth teams.
Moments after viewing this scoreline I began having nighmarish visions of the massacre to which a Canadian U22 squad would have been subject to had it been the one lining up against Colombia. But that's not really the point is it? I'm sure Costa Rican and Mexican officials weren't expecting their kids to bring home the Copa. It's about the experience. The experience of playing important games against big opponents in hostile stadiums. The experience that allows these youngsters to grow together as a team and that might just make the difference in a crucial World Cup qualifier years down the road.
Unsurprisingly, I have no idea what's involved in getting an invite to the Copa America. Canada is not a prestige program, but neither is Costa Rica. I'm not saying that Will Johnson, Simeon Jackson, Tosaint Ricketts and whoever else would have shown the "understanding" that was obviously lacking between players in the senior squad during the Gold Cup had they been sent to their footballing deaths at the sword of Argentina or Brazil four years ago in the Copa America, but certainly more important games to grow together may have helped.
The CSA stepped up to the task of organizing more senior team matches in 2010, but Canada still plays less than other countries in the region. The senior men played six friendlies in 2010; Honduras played 13. After the past month everyone is asking questions on the player development front. It seems more, higher-stakes games at all age levels would be a healthy target.