Costa Rica Sports News – Costa Rica is headed to the World Cup in Brazil. but what do you really know about the team? Let’s break down some of the questions and information that comes up the most.
How they qualified
Beat the USA and Mexico on their way to second place in the six-team North American group.
World Cup high
Reaching the last 16 at Italia ’90, beating Scotland and – more impressively – Sweden in the process.
World Cup low
Losing all three of their group games, conceding nine goals, in Germany in 2006.
Familiar faces
Bryan Oviedo (Everton), Bryan Ruiz (Fulham).
The manager
Standing at 5ft 5in, Jorge Luis Pinto bears all the hallmarks of short-man syndrome. Never short of a terse word in press conferences.
Most likely to light up Brazil
Winger Joel Campbell is yet to play for Arsenal since joining in 2011, but his pace is integral to Costa Rica’s counter-attacking style.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
Alvaro Saborio was top scorer in qualifying but has a hot temper, once reportedly kicking a ball at a child during an open training session.
Title odds: 1000/1
The stereotype is …
An impeccably-drilled outfit of small, compact midfielders and big, leggy strikers.
The reality is …
An impeccably-drilled outfit of defenders, defenders and more defenders. Pinto likes his 5-4-1 formation, and against the bigger nations, expect it to get another outing.
What are they known for?
Outstanding natural beauty 56 per cent
Fleeting but unbreakable bond with Derby County 44 per cent
How Brazilian are they?
When one of your country’s greatest ever players is Paolo Wanchope, it’s probably fair to say there is something of a gulf there.
How Google translates the national anthem
In the tenacious battle of fruitful work, reddening the face of man, conquered your children, simple peasants eternal renown, esteem and honour.
Duration
Just under two minutes.
How to dress like their fans
Slip on a poncho and make it rain with ticker tape. Look unimpressed if anyone asks you the way to San Jose.
Commentator’s go-to stat
Costa Rica has no standing army. Cue plenty of jokes about having a shabby defence.
By Jonathan Liew, www.telegraph.co.uk
