Costa Rica coach Rodrigo Kenton believes his side were rewarded for their attacking intent in yesterday's 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over El Salvador.

Despite Andy Furtado missing a penalty in the first half, a 68th-minute goal from Walter Centeno - on his 125th appearance, making him Costa Rica's most-capped player - helped the Ticos climb to second in the CONCACAF Qualifying Zone.

Kenton praised the team's form at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa, saying: "Costa Rica tried to manage the game by pressuring but passing the ball to each other, while El Salvador were well ordered in defence.

"Costa Rica always tried to get the goal, to send penetrating balls and try to approach the El Salvador goal.

"I think it is a fair result. We knew El Salvador were going to play very defensively and Costa Rica were going to create the options to score.