C. Rica beat Nigeria

SAN JOSE - World Cup-bound Costa Rica bid farewell to home fans with a 2-0 victory over Nigeria, in an international friendly on Wednesday. Oscar Duarte’s seventh minute goal was followed by a second from Kendall Waston in the 73rd minute against a Nigerian team without any of their overseas-based regulars and made up mainly of members of their Under-23 team. Costa Rica had several other chances to add to their tally as supporters at the National Stadium provided a carnival atmosphere ahead of the team’s departure for the World Cup in Qatar. Costa Rica will compete against Germany, Japan and Spain in Group E at the World Cup finals.

Lukaku makes squad

BRUSSELS - Romelu Lukaku has been included in Belgium’s 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar despite major concerns over his hamstring injury. HEAD Coach Roberto Martinez said he hopes Lukaku will feature in the group stages, but plans to have him available for the knockouts should Belgium make it that far. Martinez said earlier in the week they would only pick him if he was guaranteed to be fit for the group stages, but speaking at the squad announcement, he said Belgium staff will be keeping a close eye on Lukaku and will not rush him back. “Medically we feel he can make that second World Cup so we need to be responsible and think about the possible scenarios and until November 22 we’ll consider him.”

Argentina ask for help

BUENOS AIRES - Argentina Coach Lionel Scaloni has asked European clubs not to field any of his players who are not fully fit in league matches before the World Cup in Qatar. Argentina will be without midfielder Giovani Lo Celso due to a muscle injury suffered playing for his club Villarreal and they are sweating on the fitness of defender Cristian Romero and forward Paulo Dybala. Sevilla’s Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli did not call up internationals Alejandro Gomez and Marcos Acuna for Wednesday’s LaLiga clash against Real Sociedad. Argentina begin their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22.