Costa Ricans spoil Latapy´s debut with 3-2 victory

Celso Borges scored two second-half goals to give Costa Rica a 3-2 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in a North American World Cup 2010 qualifying match.

The victory ensured Costa Rica’s place atop the regional table midway through the six-team round-robin qualifying tournament that will determine three qualifiers for next year’s global football showdown in South Africa.

Costa Rica, now 4-1 for 12 points, spoiled the debut of Russell Latapy as coach of the Soca Warriors, who fell to 0-2-2 to remain last on the table.

Carlos Edwards gave the hosts a lead in the 29th minute but Alvaro Saborio’s strike in the 40th minute pulled Costa Rica level 1-1 at half-time.

Borges, who plays for Norway’s Fredrikstad, struck in the 52nd minute but Collin Samuels answered 10 minutes later for Trinidad and Tobago.

Borges shut down notions of an upset with his goal in the 68th minute and from there the Costa Ricans clamp down to deny the Warriors another goal.