Costa Rica’s Marco Ureña (pictured), who had an goal and an assist in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, was called up for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against the USA and Mexico. (Photo: AFP Services)
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Costa Rica head coach Oscar Ramirez announced Friday a 24-man roster for upcoming World Cup against the United States (September 1, away) and Mexico (September 5, home).
With 11 points from six games, the Ticos (3W-2D-1L) sit second in the CONCACAF Hexagonal table, trailing first-place Mexico by three points and leading the Americans by three.
The roster is highlighted by the inclusion of Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who was recently named a candidate for The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2017.
Ramirez also called in four of the five players who scored for the Ticos in July’s CONCACAF Gold Cup: defender Francisco Calvo, midfielder Rodney Wallace, as well as forwards David Ramirez and Marco Ureña.
The squad will convene Sunday at the Complejo Deportivo FEDEFUTBOL-Plycem in Alajuela to open a training camp.
GOALKEEPERS: Leonel Moreira (Herediano), Keylor Navas (Real Madrid/Spain), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense)
DEFENDERS: Johnny Acosta (Herediano), Francisco Calvo (Minnesota United/USA), Cristian Gamboa (Celtic/Scotland), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Bologna/Italy), Kenner Gutierrez (Alajuelense), Bryan Oviedo (Sunderland), Jose Salvatierra (Alajuelense), Michael Umaña (Pars Jonoubi/Iran), Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps FC/Canada)
MIDFIELDERS: Randall Azofeifa (Herediano), Christian Bolaños (Vancouver Whitecaps FC/Canada), Celso Borges (Deportivo La Coruña/Spain), David Guzman (Portland Timbers/USA), Bryan Ruiz (Sporting Lisbon/Portugal), Yeltsin Tejeda (FC Laussane-Sport/Switzerland), Johan Venegas (Minnesota United/USA), Rodney Wallace (New York City FC/USA)
FORWARDS: Daniel Colindres (Saprissa), Jose Guillermo Ortiz (Herediano), David Ramirez (Saprissa), Marco Ureña (San Jose Earthquakes/USA)