Slovakia blank Costa Rica 3-0

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia swept to a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica on Saturday, but had key defender Martin Skrtel taken to hospital after picking up an ankle injury in its World Cup warmup match.Douglas Sequeira’s own goal gave Slovakia the lead in the 16th minute. The Costa Rica defender tapped in a cross from Vladimir Weiss — the son of Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss — from the right.Robert Vittek, who has recovered from a knee injury, made it 2-0 early in the second half when he slotted home a rebound after a shot from Sestak hit the crossbar.It was Vittek’s 19th goal for his country in his 70th international.Stanislav Sestak added the third from the spot in the 87th after Weiss was brought down in the area.But there were concerns after Skrtel injured his right ankle in the 13th minute and had to be replaced. The Liverpool central defender was taken to a hospital for a scan but will travel with the team to South Africa. (AP)