Road to Rio: Costa Rica finds right formula

Dignitaries from all over the world will gather in Brazil in early December for the FIFA World Cup draw as the field of teams is divided into groups for next summer’s festivities. As part of its “32 teams in 32 days” series, SPORTSNET.CA will profile each of the nations set to compete at Brazil, leading up to the draw on Dec. 6.

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Renowned German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously coined the phrase which transcends through all aspects of everyday life. For Costa Rica, it best describes the national team’s commitment and dedication towards development in the last four years. The tribulations of los Ticos’ failed World Cup campaign for South Africa in 2010 are now a distant memory. Colombian coach Jorge Luis Pinto—who previously had an unsuccessful and short rein with Costa Rica eight years prior—took over in 2011. The mix of youth and experience is never an easy thing to balance, but Pinto has found the right formula and implemented a system that has brought out the very best from his players.

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How they got here: Qualification was confirmed with two matches to spare, as Costa Rica finished a successful CONCACAF campaign in second place, four points behind the United States, and three ahead of Honduras. Taking nothing away from their performances, but the unthinkable and pitiful form of continental favourites Mexico was extremely helpful. The door was left open, and Costa Rica did enough to walk through. This will be the country’s fourth appearance at the World Cup.

Key result: It happened in Kingston, Jamaica on Sept. 10, 2013. Unfortunately, a victory was lost deep into injury time through a late equalizer by Jamaica’s Jermaine Anderson. However, Costa Rica only needed a point to reserve its spot in Brazil.

Star player: He might not be setting the Premier League on fire—having arrived at Fulham from FC Twente two years ago—but Bryan Ruiz is the be-all end-all for Costa Rica. The Fulham striker scored three goals in the final round of qualifying, which is not exactly spectacular. But his presence provides an ultimate scoring threat that occupies the opposition’s attention, giving his teammates space to exploit. Wearing the captain’s armband, Ruiz’s influence cannot be understated.

Player on the bubble: Joel Campbell, on loan at Olympiakos, is not quite on the bubble, having debuted for the national team at the Gold Cup in the summer of 2011 and amassing 27 appearances and eight goals. But the 21 year-old forward can’t get complacent, especially with the quality and competition for places in his position (Ruiz, Alvaro Saborio and Randall Barnes).

Team strengths: Four clean sheets and seven goals conceded in the final qualifying round, los Ticos ended with the best defensive record in CONCACAF’s Hex. It’s no secret that Costa Rica’s success begins in their end of the field, and any hope of progressing past the group stage—having only accomplished the feat once at Italia ’90—hinges on keeping their shape at the back and not being drawn out of position.

What they have to work on: Consistency in the offensive zone. Costa Rica has a tendency to waste all their solid defensive work by failing to capitalize on the chances created in the offensive zone. They barely averaged over a goal-a-game (13 goals from 10 matches). Keeping a clean sheet is only half the job, and more focus and composure is needed in the final third. Aspirations of a spot in the second round won’t materialize unless they figure out a way to bury their opportunities. Three scoreless draws just won’t cut it in Brazil.

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