In 2014, Costa Rica entered Group D at the World Cup alongside England, Uruguay and Italy, not given a hope by fans or pundits of even challenging for a place in the next stage.
They only went and won the group.
A heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Holland in the Quarter Finals gave Costa Rica all the plaudits following the tournament. In truth, a resurgence over the last 10 years in the national team had been building up to a moment like Jorge Pinto and his team experienced in South America.
Four years later, Oscar Ramirez is in charge, and takes his team to Russia, with largely the same faces from the class of 2014.
Real Madrid stopper Kaylor Navas is one of the more recognisable names on the 2018 squad list. Celso Borges and Bryan Ruiz boast over 200 caps between them. Real Betis striker Joel Campbell will lead the line, alongside LA striker Marco Urena. Ramirez has in fact called up 5 players currently playing in the MLS. Vancouver Whitecaps captain Kendall Watson is the biggest surprise inclusion, following an impressive start to the new MLS season. Watson was one of the names cut from the provisional 2014 World Cup squad.
Watson will be part of a defensive set up that will be difficult to break down. ‘Los Ticos’ showed in Brazil their solid back line, keeping clean sheets against Italy, England and Holland. Furthermore, they only conceded 11 goals in their 16 World Cup qualifying games.
Costa Rica are in a tough group, with Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland. However, Brazil aside, this group is certainly not as tough on paper as the 2014 opponents. Should Costa Rica advance in 2nd place, it’s likely Germany will provide the last 16 test for them.
Ramirez’s side will believe, but it seems unlikely the national team will reach the same stage on Russian soil this summer. So what do the fans think? I asked the thoughts of Twitter user @dannyrc15, a Man United, Atletico Madrid and Deportivo Saprissa fan living in Costa Rica.
Can Costa Rica repeat their performance of 2014? Just how far can you go in Russia?
I think we can repeat it. We have a similar team as we had in Brazil, as almost all of the 23 players going to Russia were included then. This time, I think he aim is to qualify from the group stage and reach the knockout stage. Anything after that will be a plus.
What do you make of the Group E opponents? (Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland)
It’s clear that the group will be a straight fight for 2nd place. Brazil are off limits and are too strong for the other 3 sides. Serbia, Switzerland and Costa Rica will be challenging to advance, and I believe we are on the same level as the European teams.
Which Costa Rica players will be the ones to watch?
Captain Bryan Ruiz and Real Madrid keeper Kaylor Navas are amongst the most important players in the squad.
Who will the 2018 World Cup?
I think Brazil. For me currently, they are performing at their best. Spain and Germany will also be strong candidates.
Thanks to Danny for his answers, give him a follow on Twitter!
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