Costa Ricans caught fire in the second half to book a 2-1 win over the Philippines in a friendly match at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Jose on Wednesday morning (Manila time).
The Filipinas were poised to pull off a shocking upset of world No. 37 Las Ticas following a goal by Filipino-American Carleigh Frilles in the 45th minute of the first half.
But the Las Ticas sizzled in the second half with veteran Raquel Rodriguez nailing a penalty kick to square the count at 1-1.
Rodriguez, who plays for the Portland Thorns FC in the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States gained the equalizer in the 61st minute before Gloriana Villalobos delivered the go-ahead goal seven minutes later to seal the victory.
The Filipinas could have forged another stalemate, but skipper Tanhai Annis failed to connect a goal after misfiring on her penalty kick in the 49th minute.
Prior to the match, the Costa Ricans forged a 1-1 tie with the Filipinas in their first tune-up duel that serves as part of their preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup starting 20 July next year.
The Filipinas also fell prey to New Zealand, 1-2, in their friendly duel held at the Titan Stadium inside the Cal State Fullerton in California.