El Salvador surprises Costa Rica 2-1 in Gold Cup

El Salvador surprises Costa Rica 2-1

CARSON, Calif. — Osael Romero scored two goals, including the winner in the 86th minute, to give El Salvador a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica in Group A at the Gold Cup on Friday night.

El Salvador and Canada share first place with three points apiece after Canada defeated Jamaica 1-0.

Romero broke a 1-1 tie by intercepting an attempted defensive clearance and scoring on a low 16-yard shot before an overwhelmingly pro-El Salvador crowd that erupted after the goal. One man ran onto the field with a flag to give to El Salvador coach Carlos de los Cobos, but security stopped him.

El Salvador broke a 12-game winless streak against Costa Rica dating from 1997.

Romero scored his first goal in the 20th minute on a diagonal 8-yard shot. Warren Granados tied the score in the 64th minute with a sliding 5-yard shot under the crossbar.