Players from Venezuela (yellow jersey) rush to celebrate after scoring against visiting Costa Rica in an international friendly on February 2, 2016, in Barinas. (Photo courtesy of fedefutbolcr.com)
BARINAS, Venezuela – A goal late in the second half gave host Venezuela a 1-0 win over nine-man Costa Rica in an international friendly on Tuesday at the Estadio Agustin Tovar.
Defender Wilker Angel, 22, struck in the 88th minute, heading home from four-yards out off a free kick that first bounced in front of goalkeeper Marco Madrigal and then ricocheted off his chest.
The Costa Ricans were reduced a player in the 42nd minute, when Johan Venegas was shown a straight red card. They went down one more in the 64th minute as David Ramirez was issued a second caution.
Jordan Smith nearly put the CONCACAF side ahead in the 84th minute, but his shot from outside the box was saved by goalkeeper Jose Contreras.
With the setback, Costa Rica’s winning streak was ended at four games.
International Friendly
February 2, 2016: Estadio Agustin Tovar -- Barinas, Venezuela
Venezuela 1 (Wilker Angel 88’)
Costa Rica 0
Venezuela: Jose Contreras; Wilker Angel, Angel Faria, Mikel Villanueva, Arquimedes Figuera (Rafael Acosta, 77’), Daniel Benitez, Luis Gonzalez (Angelo Peña 79’), Arles Flores, Richard Blanco, Johan Moreno (Andres Ponce 53’), Yeferson Soteldo
Costa Rica: Marco Madrigal; Allan Miranda, Jose Mena (Jordan Smith 77’), Jhonny Acosta, Kendal Waston, Waylon Francis, Junior Alvarado (Jose Sánchez 90’+3), Randall Azofeifa (Luis Miguel Valle 76’), Daniel Colindres (Kenny Cunnigham 56’), Johan Venegas, David Ramirez.
R: Luis Sanchez (Colombia); AR1: Eduardo Diaz; AR2: Wilmar Navarro
