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INFORMATION: 
SAN RAFAEL DE ALAJUELA, Costa Rica -- Though the third round of World Cup Qualifying is four months away, Costa Rica is already preparing for what promises to be a difficult Group B challenge. With opposition in the form ofMexico, El Salvador and Guyana, the Ticos are leaving nothing to chance.
Costa Rica held a brief training camp this week comprised of 17 domestic-based players (plus four additional invitees).Since many of the country's top stars performabroad, identifying local talent can create needed roster depth and flexibility.All of those present at the Costa Rican Football Federation Sports Complex have been eager to display their abilities.
"While training this morning was a little more regenerative, the players showed a good attitude and will gradually adjust to the idea of the work that is intended for the team and tomorrow we will measure their football performance and couple that to the national team," said assistant coach Paulo Cesar Wanchope, following Monday's session.
The coaching staff is opening the door for players who have earned places in this camp thanks to their club performances in the Costa Rican league.The idea is to pinpoint those possessing an ability to contribute to the team and the qualifying effort.
Alajuelense's Pablo Antonio Gabas was rewarded for his fine play with a camp invitation and knows that this opportunity is precious.He wants to make a good impression on head coach Jorge Luis Pinto.
"Although several months ago I was called in, an injury forced me out, so I take this call as my debut," commented Gabas, who had two goals in six CONCACAF Champions League appearances last year. "I feel happy, eager to work hard to earn a berth in the national team.
"As expected I hope to grasp the concepts of Professor Pinto, to improve technically and tactically, as well as physically, and continue to grow as a player."
Another player steadily convincing the coaching staff of his potential importance to the Ticos is Saprissa's Jordan Smith.The 20-year-old defender has already represented Costa Rica at the 2007 FIFA U-17 and 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup finals.
"It fills me with joy and all I can do is thank the teacher for the opportunity," Smith commented."Now the hard part is for each day to show that I can be part of the team."
Not to be overlooked is Limon defender Lemark Hernandez, who was pleasantly surprised -- and grateful -- to take part in the camp.
"It was a surprise to be called and a thrill and the coach told me in front of all my colleagues that I had been called for the selection, I wasn't expecting it," enthused Hernandez, 22."I will give all my effort to do well, work hard and follow all instructions and advice that my professional colleagues give me."
Costa Rica starts its 2012 schedule with a friendly at Wales on Feb. 29 in Cardiff.Pinto is expected to use 10 foreign-based players in that match and complete the roster with players from the local championship.
Perhaps, on that day, the value of this camp will be discovered.It may be the start of something good.
Costa Rica Training Camp Roster
(February 6-8, 2012)
GOALKEEPERS: Daniel Cambronero (Herediano), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense)
DEFENDERS: Francisco Calvo Herediano), Oscar Duarte (Saprissa), Geancarlo González (Alajuelense), Lemark Hernández (Limón FC), Carlos Johnson (Cartaginés), Jordan Smith (Saprissa), Kendall Waston (Pérez Zeledón)
MIDFIELDERS:Pablo Antonio Gabas (Alajuelense), Allen Guevara (Alajuelense), Juan Diego Monge (Pérez Zeledón), Manfred Russell (Saprissa), Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa), Eduardo Valverde (Cartaginés)
FORWARDS:Jairo Arrieta (Saprissa), Oscar Rojas (Herediano)
INVITEES: Vianny Blanco (Alajuelense), Rudy Dawson (Uruguay de Coronado), Myron George (Limón FC), Gualberto Montenegro (Saprissa de Corazón)
