Sunday, October 22nd.- It was a discreet, hard-fought match with few scoring opportunities. Argentina and Costa Rica played to a goalless draw in Viña del Mar, in front of a predominantly Argentine crowd, which made its presence felt despite the chilly evening. 

The beginning saw Costa Rica applying high pressure, which at times discomforted Argentina. However, the Argentinian team reacted to break free from the pressure and began to approach the Central American goal with more clarity. Within the first half-hour, Costa Rica once again gained possession and came close to the Argentinian goal. 

In the second half, neither team demonstrated clear dominance. Argentina at times occupied the opponent's field but failed to create clear opportunities in the opposing area. 

Costa Rica, on the other hand, tried to break quickly but without any real danger, and occasionally resorted to physical play. In stoppage time, Argentina had the clearest chance, an opportunity thwarted by the outstanding save of goalkeeper Génesis Pérez. 

More was expected from both teams, particularly because Argentina holds the current Pan American silver medal, and Costa Rica possesses the bronze medal. Furthermore, both Argentinian and Costa Rican squads are composed mostly of players who participated in the last Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. 

Argentina's next challenge is against Bolivia on Wednesday, the 25th, while Costa Rica will face the United States on the same day. 

Written by Ernesto Bustos B; translated by Rocio Rojas / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Martin Thomas / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport