GWANGJU, South Korea (AP):

CHINA'S HOPE of a strong start in their World Cup debut collapsed yesterday when Costa Rica thrashed them 2-0 with second half goals by Ronald Gomes and Mauricio Wright.

China's supporters turned the stands into a sea of red with giant flags of China floating serenely, borne on the outstretched arms of thousands of screaming fans.

The match was watched by a television audience estimated at 500 million in China -- just under half the population of 1.25 billion. Costa Rica has four million people.

The Chinese showed discipline but little flair in their first World Cup final. China, the lowest ranked of all the teams in the finals at No. 57, are led by coach Bora Milutinovic, the Serb who is coaching his fifth different teams in the tournament.

Gomez scored in the 61st minute and Wright added another four minutes later as the Costa Ricans grabbed three points to join Brazil atop Group C.

"It's always good to start the World Cup with a victory," Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes said. "We showed we can play well in all phases of the game."

"We're off to a good start, but we've got two very difficult games coming up. We know we can play better and that we can improve. We're going to take it one step at a time."

Gomez, who plays professionally at Greece's OFI Crete, picked up a rebound outside the penalty box and flicked a shot over the head of goalkeeper Jiang Jin. Minutes later, Wright used an individual move to beat his defender.

Gomez had a second opportunity near the end, but his shot was cleared off the line by a Chinese defender.

"Bora told us we must be focussed for 90 minutes, but we lapsed and gave up two goals," China captain Ma Mingyu said. "Costa Rica played well throughout the game while we were inconsistent."

Despite the outcome, Milutinovic said he was encouraged by his team's performance.

"My players put forth a tremendous effort," he said. "But it wasn't enough."

"Our players tried their best for 90 minutes, and you couldn't see clearly which side was better. In the first half we had several possible chances, but we let in two goals in the second. That's soccer."