Costa Rica is in the World Cup: Here’s What You Need to Know to Keep Up with Los Ticos

Joe Walsh • June 22, 2018
A grid of circular national flags on a white background.

The Team

Led by Coach, Óscar Ramírez, the Costa Rican National team is currently participating in their fifth World Cup in Russia. In the previous World Cup (2014) in Brazil, Costa Rica had their best result to date, making it to the Quarterfinals against the Netherlands, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Fans are hoping for another stellar performance from Los Ticos, and with this year’s team, led by stars midfielder Bryan Ruiz, Goalkeeper Keylor Navas, and forward Joel Campbell fans might just get what they are hoping for. Currently, Costa Rica has one loss (vs Serbia), which has put them in poor standing in their pool, but a win against the highly competitive Brazil team could change everything.

Soccer team posing for a group photo in red jerseys on the field, with two rows of players.

The Journey

Having missed qualification for the 2010 World Cup, Costa Rica was on a mission to prove themselves in 2014. With monumental wins against former world champions Italy and Uruguay, along with a 0-0 draw against England, Costa Rica proved to be the team to watch in 2014. In only their second game of the Hexagonal stage, Costa Rica delivered a crushing defeat to the USA, and in doing so, let the rest of the world know they were serious contenders. Costa Rica has a chance to finish second in its pool. It’s rival for the spot will most likely be Switzerland.

The Schedule

Sunday, June 17: Serbia 1, Costa Rica.
Friday, June 22: vs. Brazil at 8 a.m. ET.
Wednesday, June 27: vs. Switzerland at 2 p.m . ET.

Come on down to Eat at Joe’s to watch Costa Rica take on the world with your friends at WRSC!
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