SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- Just days from a game that could well prove decisive for its chances of advancing to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying, Costa Rica is in the midst of preparing for one of its biggest qualifying challenges in recent memory.
The Ticos travel to the Estadio Cuscatlan for a Group B showdown against host El Salvador, a fifth match-day game from which the six-time Central American champion must get at least a point to maintain any hope of advancing to CONCACAF's final round.
Costa Rica has been a part of every hexagonal since 1997, when CONCACAF first moved to the six-team final round format ahead of the 1998 World Cup in France.
This year, however, the Ticos find themselves in a complicated situation after a pair of losses to Mexico last month followed an opening round in which El Salvador snatched a valuable away point in San Jose. Now, Costa Rica must do the same to stay alive.
"It's going to be complicated, we all know that," said defender Michael Umaña. "It's a game where we play for everything.And we're playing for next year, to give it everything to get to a World Cup. It's the only goal we have. We have to win there."
It won't be the first time that Costa Rica has faced down a Central American rival for a spot in the final round of qualifying. In 2000, after a tie on points and goal difference for second place in their semifinal group with Guatemala, the Ticos went on to win a neutral site playoff match.
Costa Rica went on to finish first in the hexagonal on its way to qualifying for Japan/Korea 2002. This time around, the Ticos are hoping things will turn out the same way.
They'll need only a result in San Salvador to take a firm first step down that path.
"I think we have some great games waiting for us as a team," said Umaña. "We know two very important games are coming up, first in El Salvador. We'll be preparing ourselves the best way possible to get the result."
Mexico has already won the group with twelve points, while El Salvador has five, one ahead of Costa Rica.Guyana brings up the rear with just one point and maintains a minimal chance to advance.
A victory by El Salvador on Friday would guarantee it the second spot and make its trip to Mexico for the final day of group play a more relaxed affair. A draw in San Salvador would leave possibilities open for both Central American teams to progress at the last hurdle.
