Spain break through against Keylor Navas and Costa Rica to win friendly

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:16 am

Spain completed a first-half comeback to beat Costa Rica 2-1 in a warm-up friendly ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifying meeting with Belarus.

Johan Venegas had not read the script and scored the first goal, but Paco Alcacer quickly put the reigning European champions back on level terms.

Cesc Fabregas then hit what proved to be the winner on the half-hour mark and Spain would have to settle for a one-goal margin of victory as Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas produced a stunning display after the break to keep the scoreline respectable.

The party atmosphere in Leon was soon soured when Venegas grabbed a surprise early opener for the visitors.

After five minutes of play, the Alajuelense winger cut inside to collect Joel Campbell's pass from the left before drilling beyond David De Gea.

Spain did not let their heads drop and hit back instantly, Alcacer slamming home a seventh-minute equaliser from the left-hand side of the Costa Rica box.

Spain rallied to overcome an early deficit and defeat Costa Rica on Thursday.
Cesar Manso/AFP/Getty Images

Vicente del Bosque's men spent the rest of the half trying to turn the game on its head but that mission was harder to complete than they would have liked.

Koke's effort found the arms of Navas before debutant Aleix Vidal, who signed for Barcelona this week, saw his scorching attempt blocked by Bryan Ruiz at the last moment.

The former world champions would take the lead ahead of the break, though, Fabregas putting the finishing touch to a fine team move on 30 minutes.

Navas had to look lively following the restart as Sergio Ramos connected well with Koke's corner to send a powerful header in his direction.

The Costa Rica goalkeeper stood even taller in the 57th minute, again denying Ramos when his Real Madrid teammate attempted to slam home Koke's rebounding free-kick from close range.

Defender Marc Bartra tested himself against Navas soon afterwards but could not find the target and, in the 78th minute, Dani Carvahal got the under-siege keeper scrambling to stop the ball from crossing the line.