Costa Rica’s Chances

How does it look for the ticos this year in Germany 2006? That depends on who asks the question. For the rabid fans in the country of “pura vida” or pure life, and there is no shortage of those, the sky is the limit! Even so, few of those not absolutely deranged would aspire for anything else but a respectable show. In this case that would be for Costa Rica to qualify from their the group where they are matched against hosts Germany, and mediocre powers Poland and Ecuador.

The opener of 2006 is in fact Germany vs Costa Rica, and the hosts are far from their usually powerful selves. Taking into account the opening jitters, the Germans may find themselves in a nasty place, and historically the openers are unpleasant affairs for the favorites. Then the rest of the way, Costa Rica may do quite well against both of the other rivals-it is not a difficult group after all! Somehow the hosts got the luck of the draw, imagine that! So, ticos chances? That they will advance from the group: fifty percent. That they will become world champions and so provide the biggest sports miracle of all time: zero. That they will be there in body and soul, and play their hearts out and give all fans a damn good show, 100%!