Will Costa Rica follow up on a successful 2014 World Cup?
Costa Rica
FIFA ranking: 25
How they qualified: Finished 2nd in CONCACAF fifth-round qualifying
World Cup appearances: 4
Best result: Quarter-Finals (2014)
Background
The three-time CONCACAF Gold Cup winners will be making their fifth appearance at the World Cup in Russia and will be hoping to build on their great performances in Brazil where they reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. Costa Rica reached the 2018 World Cup by finishing first in their fourth round CONCACAF qualifying group, before finishing second in the fifth-round group behind Mexico.
The Coach
Óscar Ramírez
Having previously worked as an assistant coach for Los Ticos, first in 2006 and then in 2015, Ramírez succeeded Paulo Wanchope to take the main role in August 2015. The former midfielder featured in four matches for his country at Italy 1990 and his previous coaching experience is exclusively in his homeland at club level.
Star Man
Bryan Ruiz
An attacking midfielder who can also play as a second striker, Ruiz was a key player in Costa Rica’s run to the quarter-finals at Brazil 2014. The Ticos captain scored three goals in qualifying for Russia 2018.
Starting XI
World Cup Chances
Drawn in a group with 2014 hosts Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia, Costa Rica are expected to be battling it out for the second spot with Switzerland and Serbia. Costa Rica’s squad is not shy of top level talent in, Real Madrid’s number one Keylor Navas between the sticks, attacking full-backs Gamboa and Oviedo who have plenty of Premier League experience, 108-capped Deportivo la Coruna midfield warrior Celso Borges, pacey winger Joel Campbell and of course The Ticos talisman and captain Bryan Ruiz. If Costa Rica can keep some of the confidence gained at the last World Cup, they could be joining Brazil in the round of 16 in Russia this summer.
Transfer Watch
Keylor Navas
Real Madrid have been constantly linked with Manchester United’s David de Gea and numerous other goalkeepers. Brazilian ace Alisson is also a potential target for Los Blancos and with Madrid on the hunt for a new shot-stopper, it paves the way for Navas to depart. Don Balon is reporting that Navas is weighing up a move to the MLS, having seen Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently make the move. Navas is reportedly reluctant to leave the Bernabeu but should Madrid sign a new goalkeeper, the choice may not be his if he wants regular football.