Stalemate for China and Costa Rica (1:1)
The first action in Group A of the FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005 saw China and Costa Rica take a share of the spoils in Trujillo 1:1. An entertaining first half brought numerous chances for both teams, only for the momentum to subside somewhat in the second 45 minutes. The red card for China's Gu Cao ten minutes from time was one of few talking points.

China began the match with intent, penning the visibly surprised Costa Ricans in their own half in the early stages but without taking any advantage.

"I think we had the better chances to win the game in the first half, but I think that was an acceptable start to the tournament," China coach Zhang Ning told FIFA.com.

Costa Rica took a few minutes to create their own first opening, Leslie Ramos heading wide after a cross from Celso Borges (9'). However, it was not long before coach Geovanny Alfaro's charges broke the deadlock. The tireless Luis Cordero fed Roberto Carrillo whose powerful left-footed drive from the edge of the penalty area left Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei helpless (1:0; 10').

Costa Rica coach Geovanny Alfaro was disappointed with the outcome: "I am not happy with the result. We could have won the game. We had a number of chances but 1:1 is an acceptable result for us. China had the better chances in the first half, but we should have won the game."