Mexico vs. Costa Rica: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

In an epic turn of events, Mexico saw their World Cup bid extinguish itself multiple times Tuesday night in a 2-1 loss to Costa Rica. But after the USA's late comeback over Panama, El Tri kept their Brazil bid alive despite the loss.

El Tri controlled their own destiny, but a 2-1 loss meant they needed a Panama loss or tie in order to stay in the fourth-place playoff spot. However, the U.S. men's national team completed an epic comeback, scoring an equalizer and the go-ahead goal both in extra time to keep Mexico's World Cup bid alive per Sports Illustrated: 

The U.S. Soccer Twitter account poked at the irony:

Costa Rica gave their opponent an early scare in the 25th minute when they took a 1-0 lead. It came when Bryan Ruiz slipped into the box and fired a left-footed shot into the top left corner past Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

In a hostile environment and facing a team that wasn't letting up, Mexico's back was against a wall as they needed to claw their way back into it. And it didn't take long. 

Just four minutes later, forward Oribe Peralta netted a 29th-minute goal to notch an equalizer that his side desperately needed not only for results, but to generate some momentum and keep the match from getting out of reach.

ESPN Stats and Information tweeted:

Heading into the final 45 minutes, Goal.com's Eric Gomez summed up just how huge the implications of the second half could be:

The two sides played to a stalemate through the early goings of the second half, until Costa Rica went ahead again. This time, it was Alvaro Saborio in the 64th minute who headed home a cross from Cristian Gamboa from just a few yards out to make the score 2-1. 

At the same time, the U.S. men's national team equalized against Panama, which meant Mexico was still safe in the playoff spot, per ESPN's Paul Carr:

Mexico played the part of a desperate squad all 90 minutes long, controlling possession at a hefty rate (63 to 37) and trying to push the ball constantly. Unfortunately for El Tri, it often ended in errant passes and wasted opportunities.

Late in the match when Mexico needed a goal to control its own destiny, they simply looked spent and reliant on Panama's inability to beat the USA. 

However, Panama netted a late goal and looked to beat the U.S. in the 84th minute. Unlike their late victory on Friday over Panama, Mexico couldn't find a hero to save them and keep their hopes alive. 

Noted USMNT supporter and CBS Sports reporter Jason La Canfora admitted he couldn't help but feel happiness in seeing his Americans lose, if only for how it spurned Mexico's World Cup bid:

But right when Mexico looked to be out of it completely, they found their hero. Only, it wasn't an El Tri player—it was America, who netted two extra-time goals to somehow win 3-2 right as the sports world was accepting Mexico's fate.

Trailing Mexico by three points heading into Tuesday, Panama needed a win over USA and a Mexican loss. It looked like both were in the cards, until the final few minutes when they gave up two decisive goals. 

Costa Rica entered Tuesday having already secured their World Cup bid, but there's no doubt in their play that they enjoyed some added motivation at the prospect of knocking out the once-mighty El Tri. Unfortunately for their efforts, it wasn't just up to them. 

ESPN's Marc Stein outlined just how huge Tuesday night was:

Words simply don't do this sequence of events justice. The irony in USA giving Mexico a World Cup lifeline is too glaring to even look at, and the epic fashion in which it all unfolded is just another reason why the world of sports is unlike any other. 

Grades

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Mexico: C

In a game that Mexico needed a hero to emerge, it's nothing short of shocking to see prodigal son Javier Hernandez play such an invisible game.

Not only was "Chicharito" a non-factor during the 90 minutes, but he notched a yellow card, which means he'll be suspended for the first leg of El Tri's playoff against New Zealand. What a loss for Mexico. 

Alvaro Saborio, Costa Rica: B+

The Costa Ricans' best forward for the first half was Bryan Ruiz, but they replaced him with Saborio heading into the final 45 minutes. 

It paid off. Saborio wasted no time getting in on the action, netting the eventual match-winner at the 64th minute on a brilliant run culminated by a header from a teammate's cross. 

Oribe Peralta: A-

Very few Mexican players brought out their best form with so much on the line, but Peralta was one of them. The starting striker was a force, while the star forward to his side wasn't to be found.

Peralta gave Mexico their only goal on the night with a 29th-minute equalizer, which at the time was a big boost for a nation that sorely needed it.

What's Next?

Somehow, someway, Mexico stayed alive for their Brazil bid on Tuesday. Up next is New Zealand in a playoff showdown, with the winner punching its ticket to next summer's affair.

Meanwhile, the Costa Ricans can rest easy knowing they're in the field and that they did all they could to keep their neighbor out of the tournament.