Ramos seals Colombia win over Costa Rica
Reuters - Saturday 02 July 2011, 22:00
JUJUY - Striker Adrian Ramos earned
Colombia a 1-0 win over 10-man Costa Rica that put them top of
Group A after their first match at the Copa America on Saturday.
Ramos beat the offside trap to run onto a through pass from
winger Fredy Guarin, round goalkeeper Leonel Moreira and put the
Colombians ahead seconds before half-time.
Costa Rica had been reduced to 10 men after 27 minutes when
forward Randall Brenes was shown a straight red card after a
dangerous tackle on defender Luis Perea.
Colombia lead the group with three points ahead of hosts
Argentina and Bolivia who have one point each after their 1-1
draw on Friday in the tournament's opening match in La Plata.
"The important thing was to start with a win and that's what
we did," Ramos told reporters.
Colombia, who face Argentina on Wednesday in Santa Fe,
dominated after a bright start by Costa Rica but their passing
was sloppy in a game mostly fought out in midfield.
They had their first clear opportunity in the 12th minute
when Radamel Falcao headed down a cross and Guarin hit a
powerful shot that Moreira pushed away for a corner.
Their task was made easier when Brenes, one of the more
experienced players in a young Costa Rica side, was dismissed
and Ramos took advantage to score just before the break.
Substitute striker Hugo Rodallega had a chance to extend
Colombia's lead in the 54th but Moreira made another fine save.
The goalkeeper, asked if his performance had prevented a
heavier defeat, said: "This is my job and I have my team mates'
back-up... we're all fighting together and it's not just the
goalkeeper."
Moreira added that the loss complicated matters for Costa
Rica but said the Central American team now had to just focus on
their next match against Bolivia in Jujuy on Thursday.