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Costa Rica - a World Cup guide to the Group D outsiders

Back at the World Cup after missing out in 2010, Costa Rica are on a mission to reach the knockout stages for only the second time in their history. Lewis Rutledge takes a look at the Group D outsiders…

Costa Rican players celebrate their second goal against Jamaica during their World Cup qualifier

Placed in a group with three former champions, Costa Rica’s World Cup record is much more modest and they missed out in 2010 after a narrow play-off defeat by Uruguay, their opening opponents in Fortaleza.

They are now back for a fourth appearance at the tournament after qualifying with some ease from the CONCACAF section. They won all five of their home games in the final group to help them finish second, behind USA but above Honduras and Mexico. Jorge Luis Pinto’s men will now hope to defy the odds and emulate the Costa Rica side of 1990, the only previous occasion the nation has advanced to the knockout stages.

A world ranking of 34 illustrates how difficult that task will be and they have suffered defeats in three of their four friendlies since booking a spot in Brazil. There are limitations in Costa Rica’s squad but they have some exciting players in goalkeeper Keylor Navas, midfielder Bryan Ruiz and striker Joel Campbell, while the fans are sure to relish every moment on the big stage.

Costa Rica’s Group D fixtures

  1. Saturday June 14: Costa Rica vs Uruguay – Fortaleza (20.00)
  2. Friday June 20: Costa Rica vs Italy – Recife (17.00)
  3. Tuesday June 24: Costa Rica vs England – Belo Horizonte (17.00)

Coach: Jorge Luis Pinto

Costa Rica manager Jorge Luis Pinto during the World Cup qualifier against USA

An experienced Colombian coach, Pinto first had a spell in charge of Costa Rica in 2004/5 and was later appointed by his home country for a short stint. He was rehired by Costa Rica in 2011 and has been given a lot of credit for securing World Cup qualification. Pinto is known as a student of the game who meticulously plans for each opponent, and in Brazil it is likely he will set out with a defensive approach after having some success with five men at the back in key qualifiers.

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Star man: Bryan Ruiz

Defensive solidity will be crucial for Costa Rica in games when their opponents are likely to boss possession, but if they are to cause any shocks they need their greatest attacking weapons to fire. Arsenal striker Joel Campbell, who has spent the past three seasons out on loan, is one for the future, but Fulham attacker Ruiz is the main threat. He may not have set the Premier League alight since arriving at Craven Cottage in 2011 and was loaned out to PSV Eindhoven in January, but there have been enough glimpses of his talent to show that he is a potential match-winner in Brazil.

Tournament best: Round of 16 - 1990

Squad 

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Levante), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense), Daniel Cambronero (Herediano).

Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew), Michael Umana (Saprissa), Oscar Duarte (Club Bruges), Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Junior Diaz (Mainz), Cristian Gamboa (Rosenborg), Roy Miller (New York Red Bulls).

Midfielders: Celso Borges (AIK Stockholm), Christian Bolanos (FC Copenhagen), Oscar Esteban Granados (Herediano), Michael Barrantes (Aalesund), Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa), Diego Calvo (Valerenga Oslo), Jose Miguel Cubero (Herediano).

Forwards: Bryan Ruiz (PSV Eindhoven), Joel Campbell (Arsenal/Olympiakos), Randall Brenes (Cartagines), Marco Urena (FC Kuban Krasnodar).

British based players: Bryan Ruiz (Fulham - on loan at PSV), Joel Campbell (Arsenal - on loan at Olympiakos)

Sky Bet odds: 1,500/1

Despite finishing runners up in their CONCACAF qualifying group, above Mexico, Costa Rica are 7/1 to progress from Group D, and a colossal 1,500/1 to seal cup glory. However, that qualification result is no mean feat, and with the other three teams in Group D so evenly matched, the Central Americans are certainly capable of sneaking under the radar and, with little pressure, could certainly spring a few surprises. With problems off the pitch, Uruguay could fall victim of a first surprise in their tournament opener, and those braver punters will certainly be attracted by the 11/2 price for a shock Costa Rica win.

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