Osorio - Mexico's draw against Costa Rica leaves Mexico with a 'bad taste'

Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio has admitted that his side's 1-1 draw against Costa Rica was probably the fair result, although he is gutted by his side's inability to hold onto the lead in the World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Nacional.

The North American outfit took the lead in the 42nd minute when Cristian Gamboa unintentionally put the ball into his own net after an amazing reflex save from Keylor Navas. Mexico looked on course to clinch their six victory of their qualifying campaign, but Marcos Urena denied them the opportunity with an equaliser for Los Ticos eight minutes from time. Costa Rica nearly clinched the winner in the dying seconds of the game when Johan Venegas hit the post. Speaking in his post match press conference, Osorio said: "We're left with a bad taste. We thought we had the game controlled."

The Colombian also pointed out Jesus Corona's failure to convert a one-on-one opportunity with Navas which could have made it 2-0, and probably sealed the win in the second period.
Osorio added: "[We have to be] more effective, above all when we are up and can extend the lead. Today we had an opportunity, the same as against Panama [in last Friday's 1-0 victory]. We will work on it."

Nevertheless, the tie keeps Mexico in the driver's seat in first place as they maintain a three-point gap over Costa Rica while knowing they have already sealed a berth for next year's World Cup in Russia. Benfica markman Raul Jimenez impressed for El Tri over the course of the game, but he was a little disappointed at missing out on the chance to extend the lead over Costa Rica, he said: "The whole team played a great game. The result is a little bit sour because we would've secured first place with a win, but we played well."