While Puntarenas waits for Saprissa to come back from Japan, Alajuela and Perez Zeledon went ahead with their playoff series on Sunday.  Despite playing with only 10 men, due to an expulsion in the first half, Perez Zeledon won the first match at home 1-0.  The next match will be Saturday at 8 pm.

The Nicoya city council has passed a resolution making the town’s central park a permanent fair in a bid to attract tourists. They will be remodeling the colonial church and build a boulevard in addition to setting up kiosks in the park.  Traditionally snacks and refreshments were sold informally in the park, but in November the Ministry of Health prohibited these sales.  According to the mayor, Bernardo Vargas, the kiosks are of public interest since they generate employment and provide a good service for tourists.  The new resolution is supported by health officials in a related agreement with the city council.

With a solid 1-0 victory over Sydney FC of Australia, Saprissa has advanced to the semifinal.  Local analysts gave the Australians an edge in the first half of play, but that domination did not result in any goal.  Saprissa improved in the second half and the winning goal was scored by Cristian Bolaños in the second minute of play.   Saprissa had several other chances, but great play by Sydney’s goal keeper prevented them from getting an insurance goal. 

On Thursday, Saprissa will face European champions Liverpool, who are favored to win the cup. Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia beat African champions Al Ahly of Egypt on Sunday.  They will face Brazil’s Sao Paulo in the other semifinal on Wednesday.