Costa Rica falls to Iran in football friendly

March 2, 2006

In an exhibition warmup to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Iran defeated Costa Rica in Tehran's Azadi Stadium. Iran built up a 3 goal lead in the first 34 minutes and never looked back. The final score was Iran 3, Costa Rica 2.

Ali Karimi began by scoring in the 10th minute, Ali Daei in the 16th, and Vahid Hashemian in the 34th. For Costa Rica Carlos Hernandez scored in the 44th minute just before half-time, and Danny Fonseca scored in the 60th, but the visitors were unable to score again to tie the match.

This June, both teams will be in Germany to compete in the finals of the FIFA World Cup. Costa Rica have been drawn in Group A, while Iran are in Group D.