Northern Ireland finished their end-of-season Central American tour with a 3-0 loss to World Cup-bound Costa Rica in a game where Arsenal’s Joel Campbell shone.
Only Germany and Croatia had previously beaten Michael O’Neill’s men by more than one goal since November 2014, but Los Ticos scored twice from Campbell’s corners – through Johan Venegas and Francisco Calvo – with the striker registering himself in-between.
O’Neill again took the opportunity to look at some of his younger players and will hope the 10-day trip, which included a 0-0 draw with Panama, will be beneficial for the forthcoming Nations League campaign.
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) June 3, 2018
Tweet of the match
? ¡OE OE OE OE! ¡TICOS TICOS! ?¡#VamosTicos!?? #LaSeleNIR
— FEDEFUTBOL Costa Rica (@fedefutbolcrc) June 3, 2018
Star man – Joel Campbell
End of an era
Work to do
Ratings
Northern Ireland: Trevor Carson 7/10, Lee Hodson 6, Aaron Hughes 6, Gareth McAuley 6, Craig Cathcart 5, Stuart Dallas 6, Corry Evans 6, Jonny Evans 6, Paddy McNair 6, Liam Boyce 6, Josh Magennis 5. Subs: Shay McCartan (on for Boyce, 38) 6, Ryan McLaughlin (for Magennis, 60) 6, Conor McLaughlin (for Hodson, 60) 6, Conor Hazard (for Carson, 74) 6, Luke McCullough (for Cathcart, 75) 6, Jordan Thompson (for Corry Evans, 85) 6.
Who’s up next?
Next stop: Leeds.
A few tickets are still remaining for our final game before the @FIFAWorldCup. Be there to support the #ThreeLions. https://t.co/Rw6n7oR42e
— England (@England) June 2, 2018
England v Costa Rica, friendly, June 7 2018
Northern Ireland v Bosnia, UEFA Nations League, Sep 8 2018
