Report: Costa Rica to file protest on game played in snowstorm

Costa Rica will reportedly protest a 1-0 loss to the U.S. because of a snowstorm. (Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Costa Rica plans to file an official protest with FIFA about Friday's 1-0 loss to the United States that was played in a snowstorm, reports Reuters.

Costa Rica has 24 hours to file a written protest.

The game was actually stopped in the 55th minute as the snow continued to fall, but ground crews cleared snow from the pitch markings and the game continued after a few minutes. Also a yellow-and-purple ball was used so the players could see what they were kicking. The game was played in front of more than 19,000 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver.

"It was an embarrassment to football, disrespectful to the game," Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto told reporters.

U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said the referees had made the right decision to continue the game.

"Frankly, (stopping) would not have been to the advantage of either of the two teams, since they both play on Tuesday," Gulati told reporters.

Costa Rica's players were obviously upset after the game and disagreed about continuing the game.

"Honestly, it was robbery, a disgrace, I've never played a game in these conditions," said midfielder Cristian Bolanos, who plays with Danish club FC Copenhagen.