(ABOVE) Luis Fernando Copete (#6) celebrates after scoring one of his two goals in Nicaragua's 5-0 win over visiting Anguilla in CONCACAF World Cup qualifier on March 23, 2015, in Managua
MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Luis Fernando Copete scored two goals and Nicaragua posted a 5-0 victory over Anguilla on Monday in their first round, first leg CONCACAF qualifier for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in front of a crowd of more than 6,000 at the Estadio Nacional.
It was Nicaragua’s largest-ever win in a full international, providing a significant advantage heading into the second leg on March 29 at James Ronald Webster Park in The Valley.
The host was on the offensive from the opening whistle and went ahead 1-0 in the 12th minute through a right-footed effort by Luis Galeano.
Copete increased the lead in the 24th minute, before captain Juan Barrera made it 3-0 two minutes later.
A cross from influential midfielder Franklin Lopez was headed home by Copete for the Pinoleros’ fourth with six minutes remaining in the half.
Norfran Lazo completed the scoreline in the 62nd minute as Copete and Manuel Rosas were substituted shortly afterwards, possibly for injury reasons.
The series winner will face Suriname in June.
