Cayman’s World Cup dreams were shattered but they can still walk tall after a marvellous campaign.

The girls Under-17 national side were thrashed 7-0 by hosts Costa Rica in their first match of the CONCACAF Women’s Championships in Alajuela on Wednesday.

Cayman could not find the time nor space to launch an effective attack all night against a bigger, stronger and more mature Costa Rica side.

At an average age of 15, Cayman are easily the smallest and youngest side in the eight-team tournament. They called on the services of Chelsea Greene as sub in the second half. She is only 12.

All the other teams field players who are at the top bracket of the age limit and have all the physical advantages.

Costa Rica’s star player is Raquel Rodriquez, who in January helped the U-20s qualify for their first ever World Cup finals. She headed a free kick past the diving Emily Kelly in the eighth minute to put Costa Rica in control.

Maria Fernanda Moreira scored the second in the 37^th minute.

Rodriquez nodded in her second from a corner in the 51^st minute and Alhyssa Villalta scored their fourth three minutes later.

Rodriquez notched her hat-trick in the 58^th minute for Costa Rica’s fifth before Maria Fernanda Moreira struck a penalty two minutes later. Fabila Sanchez completed the rout in the 84^th minute.

Cayman play defending champions United States Friday at 6pm Cayman time. The Americans smashed Haiti 9-0 on Wednesday.

The Haitians lost five players and a coach from the earthquake that shattered the country two months ago and killed an estimated 270,000, so it’s an achievement for them just to be playing.

Cayman play Haiti in their final Group B match on Sunday at 7pm.

In Group A matches last night Jamaica played Canada and Panama faced Mexico.