The Celtic fans in the Transfer Tavern can’t believe how good Cristian Gamboa was in Costa Rica’s 2-0 loss to Brazil yesterday. The 28-year-old right-back played just three games for Celtic last season, clocking in with just 260 minutes of action across the whole season, however, he’s a starter for his nation and did well to keep Brazil quiet for over 90 minutes.
Unfortunately for Gamboa, there were six minutes of added time in their group game against Brazil and with Philippe Coutinho and Neymar both scoring goals in that time, Costa Rica are now unable to qualify for the first knockout round of the tournament, having lost their first two group games. The tournament couldn’t have been a bigger contrast to their efforts four years ago, where they bowed out to The Netherlands on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Gamboa looks set to match the number of appearances he made in the domestic season for Celtic in this tournament. The Costa Rican has been benched for most of the year in Glasgow, with the Swedish Mikael Lustig prefered over the 28-year-old Gamboa, however, if Brendan Rodgers happened to be watching Brazil vs CostaRica he could be forced to give Gamboa more of a chance after watching the way he dealt with Neymar.
You can read our local Hoops’ thoughts on Gamboa’s performance here:
Didn’t get to see the game but judging by some other people’s comments Gamboa was pretty good. The situation with him at Celtic really is strange
— Lewis (@LewisBhoy67) 22 June 2018
Heartbreak for Costa Rica and Especially for Cristian Gamboa who contained Neymar expertly throughout that game… Goes off in the 75th minute and Brazil win it in injury time.
FAO: Brendan… Hope you were impressed by the Celtic & CRC right back…
— Celtic Nation (@CelticNation67) 22 June 2018
https://twitter.com/MuiryCeltic/status/1010158735602446342
Do Neymar again Gamboa.
Never a pen.I hope Celtic management take a good look at the RB position this year, Gamboa looks sharp.
— Joe Coffey (@Joe_Coffey) June 22, 2018
That Gamboa guy who is Celtic’s 3rd choice right back has done amazing against Neymar
— Jonathan Wallace (@JonathanWallac5) June 22, 2018
Gamboa taking care of neymar with ease. Can't even get a game for Celtic.
— M01987 (@paulyoungman20) June 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/SM1967_/status/1010152411053379585
As you can see, the Celtic fans were pleasantly surprised to see Gamboa performing and wouldn’t be against seeing him given a chance at Parkhead next season.
