World Cup 2018
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Highlights: Northern Ireland fall to Costa Rica defeat
Northern Ireland completed their Central American tour with a defeat by World Cup-bound Costa Rica in San Jose.
Liam Boyce lobbed wide for Michael O'Neill's men before the hosts seized control in sweltering conditions.
Johan Venegas nodded in the opener and Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell slotted home to make it 2-0 before a Francisco Calvo header sealed the victory.
The pacy Costa Ricans take on England at Elland Road on Thursday night.
Northern Ireland impressed in a scoreless draw against Panama on Monday but found the 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists a tougher proposition.
Boyce's early chance and a second-half strike from Corry Evans, which flew just over, were the only openings created in a disappointing display.
Midfield missing
Northern Ireland boss O'Neill experimented against Panama by trying out tour captain Jonny Evans in a central midfield role.
It worked in Panama City but the West Brom man had little impact six days later alongside his brother Corry and Paddy McNair in a midfield three.
Evans, who along with Sunderland's McNair is linked with a quick return to the Premier League, will likely revert to central defence when Steven Davis, Oliver Norwood and George Saville return to the squad.
Northern Ireland striker Liam Boyce threatens in the opening minutes before going off injured
Veteran defender Aaron Hughes struggled in the San Jose heat and his 112th cap could be his last as considers his international future.
And there was disappointment for Crusaders winger Gavin Whyte, who was among five uncapped players to go on tour and the only one not to make their debut.
Man-of-the-match - Joel Campbell (Costa Rica)
Campbell may not have shone during his time with Arsenal, but he turned on the style for Costa Rica on Sunday.
The speedy forward, currently on loan at Real Betis, was a constant threat on the right and cutting in onto his favoured left foot.
A composed finish for the second goal a minute into the second half was followed by his pinpoint inswinging corner which was glanced in by substitute Calvo.
Wing-backs Bryan Oviedo and Cristain Gamboa impressed going forward while the busy Vegas set Costa Rica on their way with a close-range header at the backpost from a Giancarlo Gonzales flick-on after 30 minutes.
What next?
Los Ticos travel across the Atlantic for their encounter in Leeds against Gareth Southgate's England side.
Costa Rica topped a World Cup group including England, Italy and Uruguay before progressing to the last eight in Brazil four years ago.
Joel Campbell wheels in celebration after scoring while there's disappointment for NI keeper Trevor Carson
Oscar Ramirez's side take on Belgium in their final warm-up game before the action in Russia starts with a Group E game against Serbia in Samarra on 17 June.
Northern Ireland missed out on the World Cup finals and they have a summer break before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina in Belfast on 8 September in the first of four Uefa Nations Cup matches.
What they said
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill: "It was was a tough game. We knew it would be a tough game against a very good side - we're disappointed to lose two goals off corners because it is not in character for us to do so.
"It was a good experience particularly for our young players in the second half. To experience the atmosphere which was fantastic and to also play against this level of opposition.
"The senior players we had were excellent and some of the younger players, it's their first taste of international football against a very experienced and good technical team as well.
"It wasn't just the weather. There is a technical difference in the teams. There are some very good technical players in the Costa Rica team."