The
past
With previous CONCACAF campaigns dominated by their three powerful northern neighbours - Canada, USA and Mexico - FIFA World Cup qualification has invariably been a tough task for this young Tica team. Of the past six editions of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, only once have Costa Rica managed to upset the trio. That was en route to Germany 2010, when they qualified instead of this year’s hosts, the Canucks. However, the Costa Ricans faced a difficult draw which saw them placed in the same group as subsequent champions Germany, Colombia (fourth place) and France. They duly lost all three games and crashed out.
With previous CONCACAF campaigns dominated by their three powerful northern neighbours - Canada, USA and Mexico - FIFA World Cup qualification has invariably been a tough task for this young Tica team. Of the past six editions of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, only once have Costa Rica managed to upset the trio. That was en route to Germany 2010, when they qualified instead of this year’s hosts, the Canucks. However, the Costa Ricans faced a difficult draw which saw them placed in the same group as subsequent champions Germany, Colombia (fourth place) and France. They duly lost all three games and crashed out.
The
present
The absence of Canada in CONCACAF qualifying this time around left a door open for the team coached by Carlos Avedissian. Las Ticas lost 6-0 to USA in their first match, but got back on track with a 5-1 win over Guatemala. A 1-1 draw against Jamaica in their final group match was enough to see them through to the last four thanks to the Stars and Stripes' victory over Guatemala.
The absence of Canada in CONCACAF qualifying this time around left a door open for the team coached by Carlos Avedissian. Las Ticas lost 6-0 to USA in their first match, but got back on track with a 5-1 win over Guatemala. A 1-1 draw against Jamaica in their final group match was enough to see them through to the last four thanks to the Stars and Stripes' victory over Guatemala.
In the
semi-finals, defeat to Mexico (3-1) meant Las Ticas had to go
head-to-head with Trinidad and Tobago for a place in the global showpiece. In
an action-packed and frenetic encounter, which saw the islanders lead right up
until the end Costa
Rica levelled (3-3) in the 85th minute to force extra
time, ultimately sealing a stunning 7-3 success.
The
future
“We had to win the match however we could; qualifying for the World Cup is so important," said team coach Avedissian following his side’s heroic qualification. "What they did on the pitch makes me emotional. We achieved our goal, which was to put Costa Rica up where it belongs. My respect for the girls, who defended the shirt like true gladiators,” he added proudly.
“We had to win the match however we could; qualifying for the World Cup is so important," said team coach Avedissian following his side’s heroic qualification. "What they did on the pitch makes me emotional. We achieved our goal, which was to put Costa Rica up where it belongs. My respect for the girls, who defended the shirt like true gladiators,” he added proudly.
Facts and Figures
Key players
Melissa Herrera, Gloriana Villalobos, Viviana Chinchilla
The stat
2- The players in this squad who also form part of Costa Rica’s U-17 set-up. Gloriana Villalobos (aged 14) and Maria Paula Coto (15) are in the plans of both national coaches for the respective FIFA World Cup campaigns, taking place in Costa Rica and Canada this year.
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