‘Los Ticos’ up for helluva mighty fight

COSTA RICA

Fifa ranking: 25 (till June 7)

Previous tournaments:

Costa Rica will be appearing in their fifth World Cup four years after their best finish with a run to the quarterfinals in Brazil, where they lost to the Netherlands on penalties.

Few expected Costa Rica to get out of a group featuring three former World Cup winners – England, Italy and Uruguay. However, some spirited and enterprising displays saw the Central Americans top the section and beat Greece on penalties in the last 16 before their heartbreaking defeat by the Dutch.

The first appearance of Los Ticos in a finals was at Italia ‘90 where they upset the odds by beating Scotland and Sweden to qualify from their group but then lost 4-1 to Czechoslovakia.

In 2002 and 2006 they failed to get out of their group.

COACH:

Oscar Ramirez: The 53-year-old took over the national team reins in 2015 when he was promoted from his role as assistant to Paulo Wanchope when the former Manchester City player stood down after he was involved in an altercation with a fan.

Ramirez was a safe choice for the Costa Rican federation, given he had had a previous spell with the national team, as assistant to Hernan Medford, and also had plenty of experience in the domestic league with top clubs Saprissa and Alajuelense.

As a player, midfielder Ramirez made 75 appearances for his country including at the 1990 World Cup.

During qualification Ramirez stuck largely with his experienced core group of players but he has gradually integrated a younger set of emerging talent.

KEY PLAYERS:

Keylor Navas: The 2014 World Cup changed the goalkeeper’s career when, after a series of outstanding performances, particularly against Greece in the last 16, he was signed by Real Madrid to replace Iker Casillas. Navas heads into his second World Cup with two Champions League titles to his name.

Bryan ruiz: The main creative force for Los Ticos, Ruiz has played in Europe since 2006 and the 32-year-old is enjoying something of an Indian summer at Sporting in Portugal. FORM GUIDE:

Since qualification was secured, Ramirez’s side have suffered three defeats in four friendly games with a solitary win against Scotland. Defeats by Tunisia and Hungary hardly inspired confidence, while a 5-0 thrashing by Spain set off alarm bells. Ramirez will be hoping for better signs in June’s friendlies against Northern Ireland, England and Belgium. HOW THEY QUALIFIED:

Los Ticos got off to a flying start in Concacaf’s final round of qualifying with a 2-0 win away to Trinidad & Tobago and then a 4-0 thrashing of the United States.

A 2-0 win on the road in the US was another impressive display and they finished comfortably in second place despite failing to win in their last three games.

PROSPECTS:

Serbia, Brazil and Switzerland represent a tough challenge in Group E. Costa Rica’s performances in advancing from an arguably tougher group four years ago offers hope but they do not look as sharp or effective as Jorge Luis Pinto’s 2014 side.

Recent form would suggest Costa Rica will need a huge improvement to have any chance of getting out of the group. —