FRISCO, Texas, CMC – Despite losing their opener, Bermuda have not given up hope of pulling off a giant-killing act to keep their CONCACAF Gold Cup hopes alive when they take on Costa Rica here today.
Bermuda coach Kyle Lightbourne says his team – defeated 2-1 by Haiti in Sunday’s Group B opener in Costa Rica after taking a first-half lead – must dare to be bold as they in a desperate battle to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
A Nicaragua victory against Haiti in Thursday’s earlier match would put Bermuda in an almost must-win situation against Costa Rica, a nation that has qualified for four of the past five World Cups.
Costa Rica crushed Nicaragua 4-0 in the second group B match on Sunday
“We know it’s going to be difficult for us; we’re not hiding from that. We’re going to have our difficult moments and it’s how we manage them,” Lightbourne said.
“We’re not afraid to play, though. My team has been drilled well enough to do that.”
Costa Rica, ranked 39th in the FIFA world rankings, 135 places above Bermuda, boast an array of experienced stars including Joel Campbell, the former Arsenal forward.
“The whole team is dangerous,” Lightbourne added. “We had someone watching their game against Nicaragua and we’ve done a report on them.
“We will be prepared. We’ve been training hard and we’ve put the work in.”
Danté Leverock, the Bermuda captain, has urged his team-mates to embrace the big occasion and is hoping the island can join a long list of giant-killings at major competitions.
“Anything can happen. Stranger things have happened in tournament play,” said the defender, who scored his side’s goal in their 2-1 defeat by Haiti.
Defender’s Leverock’s opener, which put Bermuda ahead on the stroke of half-time, came after several gilt-edged chances were wasted by his forwards.
“We’ve made our job a little bit difficult, but we’re still focused and you never know what can happen on the day,” he pointed out.
“They’re a top team, have played at the World Cup, and have top-class players. However, we’re going to go out to play and enjoy it.”
