USA 2–2 Costa Rica Player Ratings: Max Arfsten Rated 9/10 as USA Brilliance in the Penalty Shootout Saw them Make It to the Semi Finals

The Quarter Final fixture between USA and Costa Rica had everything to excite and stimulate a footballing fan. For any neutral fan, this match was nothing less than a feast as it had goals, chances, penalty kicks, VAR interventions, drama, fights, penalty shootouts, sudden deaths, to a lot more. The game began with Costa Rica raising a lot of eyebrows by scoring a penalty goal in the 12th minute to give a 1-0 lead to Costa Rica. Despite an opportunity to equalise, Tillman's shot was denied by the post until a deflected shot from the Costa Rican defender saw the USA equalise just before the halftime. Arfsten's goal in the second half was enough to put the USA into the lead for the first time. When it seemed, the match was over, Martinez scored in the last 10 minutes to take this match into the penalty shootout. The match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager still held on to his nerves and made some great substitutions. The young Freese, in his first-ever major international shootout with his brilliance made numerous penalty saves in the shootout to take the USA to the semi-final. Heartbreak for former Real Madrid custodian, Keylor Navas and Costa Rica as they bowed out after a spirited display. The USA entered the semi-finals stage and will play against Guatemala in CONCACAF Gold Cup knockout round. Here are the USA vs Costa Rica player ratings

USA National Football Team Player Ratings

Here are the USA Player Ratings vs Saudi Arabia

Goalkeeper

Matt Freese - 6/10

The New York City FC goalkeeper conceded the first goal via a penalty kick despite his fingertips touching the ball. He barely had to make any saves in the first 60 minutes.

Defenders

Alex Freeman - 7.5/10

Competing for Orlando City in the US top flight, Freeman had a decent outing tonight from the right flank.

Chris Richards - 7.5/10

The Crystal Palace centre back was coming at the backdrop of a successful season with Crystal Palace and did well to hold the USA defence tightly.

Tim Ream - 7/10

The Charlotte FC defender also had a decent game in the heart of the American defence with his crucial blocks.

Max Arfsten - 9/10

The Columbus Crew player made amends after giving away a penalty. What a brilliant comeback from Arfsten, as he scored a goal and assisted on the previous goal as well.

Midfielders

Tyler Adams- 7/10

The young prodigy from AFC Bournemouth, Tyler Adams, made 9 passes into the final third and was brilliant tonight.

De La Torre - 7.5/10

The San Diego FC midfielder also put on a great midfield performance with his creative passes.

Sebastian Berhalter - 7/10

The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder had a decent outing tonight for the USA.

Malik Tillman - 8/10

The left post denied Malik Tilman from scoring the penalty goal and taking a lead in the game. He earned the penalty himself after a clumsy challenge.

Diego Luna - 8/10

The Real Salt Lake FC midfielder took a shot, that was deflected into the goal by the Costa Rican defender.

Strikers

Patrick Agyemang - 6.5/10

USA's biggest disappointment has been Charlotte FC's striker, Agyemang. He lacked the flair and creativity required to push the USA to score the winner.

Substitutes

SUB - Damion Downs - 6/10

SUB - Jack McGlynn - 7/10

SUB - John Tolkin - 6/10

SUB - Brian White - 6/10

Manager

Mauricio Pochettino- 7/10

Poch's striker had let him down. Despite trailing by a goal, his side almost won the match. He would have been disappointed to see the game going to penalty shootouts.

Costa Rica National Football Team Player Ratings

Here are the Costa Rica Player Ratings vs USA

Goalkeeper

Keylor Navas - 6/10

The former Real Madrid custodian saw the post's deflection denying the first penalty goal. He also made some saves to put Costa Rica back into the game.

Defenders

Carlos Mora - 6.5/10

The Costa Rican right back made all the runs from the right flank, and his shot was crucial to provide that assist to the second goal for the equaliser.

Juan Vargas - 6/10

A clumsy challenge from Vargas saw Costa Rica almost relinquish their lead after giving away a penalty kick.

Alexis Gamboa - 6/10

How unlucky to see a deflected shot from Gamboa finding the back of the net after USA kept mounting on the pressure.

Francisco Calvo - 8/10

The Hatayspor defender took a cool and composed penalty kick to make the most of his side's advantage as Costa Rica took a vital lead in the game.

Midfielders

Oralando Galo - 6.5/10

A fairly impressive game from Galo saw Costa Rica dominate the midfield in the later stages of the game.

Alejandro Bran - 6/10

Despite a lacklustre display in the first half, Bran made amends with his solid performance in the second half.

Kenneth Vargas - 6.5/10

The Hearts midfielder, with his tactical ingenuity and game awareness, managed to earn a penalty for his team within the first 10 minutes, which was buried into the goal by the left back

Brandon Aguilera - 6/10

The Rio Ave midfielder was seen making numerous runs from the right flank.

Josimar Alcocer - 6/10

A decent but an underwhelming game from Alcocer saw Costa Rica trailing by a goal after scoring the maiden goal.

Forwards

Alonso Martinez - 7.5/10

The New York City FC made the right use of the rebound shot and scored the vital equaliser to put Costa Rica back on level terms. His thunderous strike almost scored the winner but the post denied it.

Substitutes

SUB - Andy Rojas - 7/10

SUB - Jefferson Brenes - 6/10

SUB - Chris Nunez - 6/10

SUB - Kenay Myrie - 6/10

SUB - Santiago Putten - 6.5/10

Manager

Miguel Herrera - 7/10

Miguel did everything possible from the bench to put Costa Rica back into the match on several occasions.

Sportsdunia player of the match award goes to Max Arfsten.