MIAMI, Florida – Both Costa Rica and Guatemala suffered defeats on Wednesday in their second matches at the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup.
After an opening 6-1 defeat to Kazakhstan in Group A, Costa Rica looked to bounce back against Venezuela at the Zalgiris Arena in Kaunas, but were unable to find a way past the Venezuelan defense in a tough 1-0 loss.
The Ticos’ defense was stellar, keeping the South Americans at bay with the exception of a Rafael Morillo score in the first half, but the Costa Rican attack could never find the equalizer.
Costa Rica will wrap up their group stage campaign on Saturday against Lithuania.
Guatemala were seeking a second straight win in Group B after their dramatic 5-4 opening victory against Uzbekistan, but the Chapines were held in check by Egypt in a 6-3 final at the Avia Solutions Group Arena in Vilnius.
Jose Mansilla scored 16 minutes into the first half to bring Guatemala level 1-1 after Egypt’s opening goal, and then it was a 2-1 Guatemala lead five minutes into the second half courtesy of Patrick Ruiz.
The two sides then traded scores, with Wanderley Ruiz’s goal giving the Central Americans a 3-2 lead with just seven minutes left, but a late four-goal surge from Egypt resulted in the 6-3 scoreline.
Guatemala close out Group B on Saturday against Russia Football Union (RFU).
Panama will return to action in Group D on Thursday when they meet Vietnam at the Svyturys Arena in Klaipeda.
The Canaleros are coming off a 5-1 defeat to Czech Republic in their opener, with Claudio Goodridge providing the Panama goal.
It will be the first ever Futsal World Cup meeting between the two nations.
