What Next for Costa Rica Following Fairy-Tale World Cup Run?

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: July 6, 2014

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This is just the beginning of a bright future for Costa Rica. Jorge Luis Pinto will be forever remembered as the man who took them to the quarterfinals for the first time in their history. 



Los Ticos fought hard and fell versus Netherlands in the penalty kicks, but they showed the world that they are ready to shine in world football.

Pinto took over the squad in 2011, which marked his second tenure in front of Costa Rica. Different from the first one—in which he was dismissed after seven months—the Colombian had continuity and enough time to put together his own team.

Beyond the players, he also picked a fantastic staff. Costa Rican legends Paulo Wanchope and Luis Marin became his assistants, while Luis Gabelo Conejo was appointed goalkeepers coach.

Pinto also managed to secure friendlies with some of the strongest and top-ranked teams of the world, like Chile, Argentina, Spain and Brazil.

What we have seen of Costa Rica is the result of a successful qualifying process. They had a 5-3-2 record, losing only to the United States and Honduras outside home turf.



Once in Brazil, Los Ticos amazed the world with the talent of Joel Campbell, Bryan Ruiz, Junior Diaz and Keylor Navas.

Costa Rica's fairy-tale World Cup run is not a stroke of luck. Pinto has been working hard with the team for three years.

His first solid results came in 2013. They won the Copa Centroamericana and finished second in the Hexagonal.

In Brazil, his strategy worked perfectly. He understood his side's strengths and took advantage of his rivals' weaknesses.

We are talking about a team that is working successfully in its generational transition, which teams like England, Netherlands and Spain are yet to accomplish.

Costa Rica found the way to stun Uruguay, Italy, England, Greece and Netherlands.

In all fairness, ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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