MX23RW : Thursday, October 15 18:21:12| >> :120:32816:32816:

Result: Costa Rica held by Republic of Ireland

Costa Rica recover from having a man sent off to earn a 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland.

Costa Rica played out a 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland in their final game ahead of the World Cup.

England's Group D rivals made the worst start possible as Ireland edged ahead in the 18th minute when Kevin Doyle headed home Marc Wilson's inviting cross.

A solid defensive display from Martin O'Neill's side meant that Costa Rica were frustrated for long periods of the first half, and their task was made even harder in the 41st minute when Giancarlo Gonzalez was shown a red card for a dangerous foul on Doyle.

Marco Urena fired an opportunity wide in the early stages of the second half, before Joel Campbell forced David Forde into a good save just moments later.

Forde gifted the 10-men of Costa Rica a way back into the game in the 64th minute when he brought down Urena inside the box.

Celso Borges stepped up from 12 yards to level the scores with a calm finish.

Ireland were gifted a penalty of their own just a few minutes later after Stephen Quinn was fouled inside the box by Heiner Mora, but substitute Patrick Pemberton responded to keep out Robbie Keane's low strike.

Costa Rica continued to show their determination as they held on for a draw to deny the Irish.

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Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas makes a clearance on February 29, 2012.
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