I was in a big casino/bar here in Costa Rica, place was packed with the game on every tv. The last 10 minutos of the game it was like a funeral. Nobody was talking or making noise which is very unusual. I was a little indifferent as I'm not a big soccer fan. Bur amazing how a country with a population of like 4.5 million can even compete with the US, 300millio 9r whatever. Also CRs best player goalie Keylor Navas didn't play.
It's all about how many resources you can put into it. Holland and Belgium aren't big countries, but they put out elite teams. There really isn't any other "serious" sport in Costa Rica. This is it. That, plus they are the one country that's a little bit different than the rest of Central America...physique-wise.
This tournament is only serious every other cycle... after the World Cup, when it's for a ticket to Confederations. No team fielded it's top 11 (Costa Rica tried). Navas may have been the difference for CR, but Pemberton is a very good second option. CR and the US are similar like that in that they always seem to have a top-notch player at goalie. The real problem for CR was all the injuries they have right now. They were missing some really important experienced players.
That said....the difference in that game last night was obviously talent. One of US's best players, ever and still has some magic left.