Despite defeating Paraguay 2-1, Costa Rica eliminated from Copa America

Austin: Despite defeating Paraguay 2-1 thanks to goals from Francisco Calvo and 19-year-old Josimar Alcócer in the first seven minutes, Costa Rica was eliminated from the Copa America.

With four points from a 1-1 tie between Brazil and Colombia, Costa Rica placed third in Group D. With five points, Brazil secured the second position.

Paraguay had been eliminated when it lost its first two matches.

The Ticos were eliminated in the group stage for the fourth time after 1997, 2011 and 2016. They reached the quarterfinals in 2001 and 2004.

Calvo was left wide open in front of the net to head home Joseph Mora's bending cross in the third minute. Four minutes later, Alcócer dribbled from near midfield and slotted a shot from distance past a diving Rodrigo Morínigo.

Those were Costa Rica's only two shots on goal.

Paraguay held possession for a majority of the second half and Ramón Sosa scored his first international goal in the 55th.

Costa Rica goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira preserved the victory by making a fingertip save of Ángel Romero's close-range shot in second-half stoppage time.

Costa Rica has not finished the group stage without a victory since 1997, its first appearance as a guest at South America's championship.

With PTI inputs