Costa Rica Seals Futsal World Cup Berth

Jorge Arias scored three goals and Costa Rica qualified for this year's FIFA Futsal World Cup (an indoor version of association football)  with a 7-1 rout of St. Kitts & Nevis in a CONCACAF Futsal Championship encounter on Wednesday at the Domo Polideportivo.

In addition to securing a place in Thailand, the win also means that Costa Rica advances to the CONCACAF semifinals as one of the top two teams from Group B. The final group positions will be determined after Cuba meets Mexico later today.

"We played well today with all my teammates and we dedicate this to all of Costa Rica that rooted us on, our families and the entire group of coaches that supported us during this tournament," said Costa Rica's Michael Cordoba, who scored the game's first goal."It is a pleasure to be part of this group."

The Ticos were dominant throughout and Cordoba opened their goal account in the 9th minute, slotting home a picture-perfect cross from the right by Aaron Jerez.

After Jose Guevara doubled Costa Rica's advantage a minute later, Jason Lake scored St. Kitts & Nevis' only goal of the game in the 13th minute.

The Central Americans, however, replied quickly and regained the two-goal cushion thanks to a 16th minute own-goal by Javeim Blanchette, who diverted a cross past goalkeeper Byron Akil.

Three minutes before the break, Arias claimed the first of his three goals.

Costa Rica started the second half as strong as it competed in the first.

In the 24th minute, the outstanding Jerez dribbled down the middle before laying off a pass to Arias on the left.The 28-year-old made no mistake with an emphatic finish from close range.

Jerez would get a goal of his own in the 32nd minute, while Arias completed his hat-trick with a strike one minute before the final whistle.