Pro Sports

Costa Rica downs Trinidad and Tobago, nears World Cup berth

Posted July 08, 2022 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Costa Rica's Cristin Granados is congratulated by her teammates after scoring her side's third goal against Trinidad and Tobago during a CONCACAF Women's Championship soccer match in Monterrey, Mexico, Friday, July 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) The Associated Press

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) - Cristin Granados scored a pair of goals and Costa Rica edged close to qualifying for the 2023 Women's World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago at the CONCACAF W Championship on Friday night.

Costa Rica needed Canada to win the late game against Panama to secure its second World Cup appearance. Las Ticas also played in the 2015 World Cup.

Granados scored in the 18th minute to give Costa Rica the early lead. An own goal in the 33rd doubled the lead before Granados scored her second just before halftime. Katherine Alvarado scored in the 48th.

Trinidad and Tobago was hurt when Kedie Johnson was sent off with a second yellow card in the 22nd minute.

Canada could also qualify for the World Cup with a victory over Panama at Estadio Universitario.

The United States qualified for the World Cup the day before with a 5-0 victory over Jamaica, combined with Haiti's 3-0 victory over tournament host Mexico.

Eight teams were divided into two groups at the W Championship. The top two finishers in each group qualify for the World Cup. The third-place teams advance to an intercontinental playoff in February.

The winner of the W Championship also earns a spot at the 2024 Olympics in France.

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Costa Rica's players celebrate after forcing an own goal by Trinidad and Tobago's Lauryn Hutchinson during a CONCACAF Women's Championship soccer match in Monterrey, Mexico, Friday, July 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) The Associated Press

Costa Rica's Priscila Chinchilla controls a ball during a CONCACAF Women's Championship soccer match against Trinidad and Tobago in Monterrey, Mexico, Friday, July 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) The Associated Press

Costa Rica's Lixy Rodriguez, left, and Trinidad and Tobago's Chelsi Jadoo, fight for control of the ball during a CONCACAF Women's Championship soccer match in Monterrey, Mexico, Friday, July 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) The Associated Press

Costa Rica's Cristin Granados is congratulated by her teammates after scoring the opening goal against Trinidad and Tobago during a CONCACAF Women's Championship soccer match in Monterrey, Mexico, Friday, July 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) The Associated Press

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