Costa Rica then made a comeback in the second half, with goals by Rolando Fonseca and Hernán Medford, ending the match 1–2.

The game marked the first loss suffered by Mexico in the Azteca Stadium in a FIFA World Cup qualification match.

[4] The only losses suffered by the Mexican team at the stadium were friendlies against Hungary, Brazil, Italy, Peru, Chile and Spain, between 1967 and 1981.

[8] The previous encounter between Mexico and Costa Rica at the Estadio Azteca was a 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier on November 9, 1997.

In the seventh minute, Víctor Ruiz took a corner kick and sent a cross for José Manuel Abundis to overcome Gilberto Martínez and score a header past Erick Lonnis.

He caused difficulty for the Costa Rican side, but he was eventually covered by defenders Luis Marín and Gilberto Martínez.

[14] Guatemalan referee Carlos Batres admitted on 16 March 2017 that Medford was offside when Fonseca made the shot and therefore his goal should not have been allowed.

[15] During the final minutes, Erick Lonnis made a crucial save to ensure the victory for the Costa Rican side.

"Eleven years ago I scored a goal thanks to a pass by Guima, today I returned the favor to make him the manager who broke such an important record that is beating Mexico in their Azteca.

"[17] Costa Rican Wílmer López called for calm, commenting that the team needed to control their emotions in order to qualify to the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

[18] Forward Paulo Wanchope celebrated the victory by saying "to all the Costa Ricans that believe in us: enjoy, because we made history today and we are in a good way.

"[18] Jervis Drummond expressed that the triumph meant an enormous boost to qualify for the World Cup, "we knew of the importance that surrounded this match and we never went down arms.

[22] Mexican journal Reforma noted the historical importance of the triumph for Costa Rica, and commented "as the Azteca turned into a funeral for most of the spectators and even the press, on one of the stands of the venue the Costa Rican party unleashed with more than ten thousand followers of the Central American team, who started to wave their flags and sing in gratitude to their national team.

"[12] EFE noted that when the match ended, the Costa Rican president Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, who was in the stadium, went down the steps to congratulate the team.

The agency also commented that "the rest of the fans, Mexicans, kept silent shocked to see their team losing and began to yell "Meza out!"

"[27] Costa Rica went on to finish as leaders of the final round with a record 23 points, thus qualifying to the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

[7] He would be replaced by Javier Aguirre, with whom the Mexicans would qualify to the World Cup as the second placed team after defeating Honduras 3–0 at the Azteca stadium.

Despite finishing with four points, Costa Rica were eliminated in the group stage, as their goal difference was insufficient against that of the Turkish team.

[8] On September 6, 2013, Mexico would suffer their second loss at the stadium during a FIFA World Cup qualification match, this time losing against Honduras.

Coincidentally, the match started with Mexico scoring in the early minutes but ultimately suffering a comeback by the Central American team.