The World Cup is complete. By beating New Zealand 1-0, Costa Rica stamped the 32nd and final spot in Qatar.
When it comes to the World Cup, Brazil and Costa Rica have history in almost all editions played by Los Ticos. This will be Costa Rica’s sixth Cup, the third in a row.
We started with the 1990 World Cup, played in Italy. The two teams faced each other in Group C of the World Cup. Almost 60,000 fans were at the old Stadio Delle Alpi, in Turin, to watch the Seleção’s 1-0 victory.
Müller, world champion four years later, scored the only goal of the game. Brazil and Costa Rica were the two teams in the group that qualified for the next phase.
In 2002, in the penta campaign, the Seleção and Los Ticos met again, again for the group stage.
In the last round of Group C, a 5-2 victory for Felipão’s team. Ronaldo (twice), EdmÃlson, Rivaldo and Júnior scored the goals.
This time, there was no round of 16 for Costa Rica, who finished bottom.
Costa Rica was in the 2006 World Cup, in Germany, but did not face Brazil. Los Ticos did not compete in the 2010 World Cup, hitting the beam and losing to Uruguay in the intercontinental play-off.
There is, however, a curiosity. In the clashes against Uruguay, played at the end of 2009, the coach was the Brazilian René Simões.
The historic campaign came in 2014, in the Cup played in Brazil. The Ticos fell straight into the death group, alongside Uruguay, Italy and England. And painted one of the biggest upsets in the history of the World Cup.
In the first game, they won 3-1 over Uruguay. Then, a 1-0 victory against Italy and, finally, a goalless draw with England.
In the round of 16, they beat Greece on penalties. Keylor Navas’ team only went down in the quarterfinals, losing to Holland on penalties.
In 2018, in Russia, again a reunion with Brazil, for the second game of Group E. Tite’s team suffered to win, scoring only in stoppage time with Coutinho and Neymar.
In 2022, Costa Rica will be in Group F, with Spain, Germany and Japan. For some, the group of death. But Costa Ricans have already shown that they hold up well against the giants.
Every Cup has its surprise. Will Costa Rica be Qatar’s?
Source: CNN Brasil
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