MIAMI, Florida – Costa Rica’s journey in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 begins in Group E with a match-up against 2010 champions Spain at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Going up against former World Cup winners is nothing new for the Ticos. They took on former champions Italy, England and Uruguay in their group at Brazil 2014 and emerged atop the table with victories against Italy and Uruguay and a draw with England.
Costa Rica will seek a similar ending in a group featuring both Spain and Germany, beginning with Wednesday’s affair against La Roja.
Costa Rica reached Qatar 2022 via a 1-0 win over New Zealand in the Inter-Confederation Play-Off following a Fourth-Place finish in the Final Round of Concacaf World Cup Qualifying in which they earned 19 points from their final seven matches.
Costa Rica boast five players who were part of the team that reached the quarterfinals at Brazil 2014: Keylor Navas, Oscar Duarte, Bryan Ruiz, Joel Campbell, Yeltsin Tejeda and Celso Borges.
Yet it could be the likes of youngsters Jewison Bennette or Brandon Aguilera, a pair of attacking teenagers who have already found their way to European club football and gave the Ticos a big spark in qualifying, that could prove pivotal.
Spain are appearing in their 12th consecutive World Cup and 16th overall, and after a frustrating Round of 16 finish at Russia 2018, they will be keen for a good start.
It is the first ever meeting between Costa Rica and Spain in the World Cup, but the Concacaf side can look to a solid record in World Cup play against UEFA opposition of 3W-5D-4L.
Costa Rica also have three wins in five World Cup opening matches and will be hoping to secure a sixth against Spain.
