Costa Rica finished their preparations for the World Cup finals with a 1-0 friendly defeat against an under-strength Czech Republic side in Jablonec on Tuesday.

Czech coach Karel Bruckner omitted Tomas Galasek, Tomas Rosicky, Pavel Nedved, Petr Cech and Tomas Ujfalusi from his starting line-up and their understudies found it difficult to impose themselves on the game during a goalless first half.

However, a host of second-half changes made a real difference and the home side clinched victory in 82nd minute when half-time arrival Libor Sionko crossed for Vratislav Lokvenc, a 71st-minute replacement for Jan Koller, to head home.

Despite the late setback Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes was satisfied with his side's display.

"Our main aim is to be at full force at the World Cup. Our players need time to get used to a different environment,'' said Guimaraes.

Costa Rica's next action will be in the opening game of the World Cup against hosts Germany on June 9, while Czech Republic have one more friendly to play, against Trinidad & Tobago, before their first match of the finals against USA.