COSTA RICA: The golden generation's swansong

Diego Gorostieta The golden generation's swansong Costa Rica

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[{"selector":"#anim-29da5a37-c28c-49aa-b0fd-40c9685f3f49 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-14.460227057073311%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"both"}] This will be Los Ticos’ third straight World Cup, after reaching the quarter-finals at Brazil 2014 and enduring an unsuccessful Russia 2018.

After flirting with elimination in World Cup qualifying, Luis Fernando Suárez’s side snuck into the playoffs with a final-matchday win over the US.

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[{"selector":"#anim-b56a261b-81f5-4bc2-8e30-49e221e0d506 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-39.82954508943346%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"both"}] Costa Rica made their World Cup debut at Italia ’90, where they reached the last 16. Qatar 2022 will be only their sixth appearance at the tournament.

[{"selector":"#anim-4f79073d-3846-4e56-ad82-9c71274589bc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(17.920517952851014%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":6000,"fill":"both"}] Costa Rica has a population of just 5.2 million. A little over 90% of its inhabitants declare themselves Christians, according to The Global Religious Landscape…

…but Costa Ricans also worship their football team and Keylor Navas - a true national idol who will be competing at the final World Cup of his career.

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