WORLD CUP 2006:
Costa Rica proud to host Trophy Tour
Perhaps the best person to explain the phenomenon is Costa Rica national coach Alexandre Guimaraes.

"Events like this are really important to our country. Just having the Trophy here means so much. It's FIFA's way of recognizing small countries like ours, which continue to work hard and persevere. That in itself is an honour. Over the last two months there has been a massive influx of foreign journalists, especially Germans, as they look to tell the world about Costa Rica," says El Guima, voicing the sentiments of an entire population.

Costa Rica is bursting with pride at being chosen as one of 28 countries on the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour's worldwide itinerary. Costa Rica lives and breathes football and would love to see the eyes of the world centre on its flamboyant national team, itself an expression of the country's exuberant people and rich colourful landscape.

In the ample surroundings of the Pedregal Exhibition Centre, the members of the Costa Rican press pack jostle to be the first in line to see the famous Trophy. As the moment of truth draws near, the expectation in the audience continues to rise. Mingling with the journalists is Costa Rica's captain and stalwart defender, Luis Marin, who, shaven-headed and wearing a simple yellow T-shirt, cuts an imposing figure.

"Everyone’s really enthusiastic. I think from today we'll start living the World Cup experience with a passion. It's a great feeling for the people of Costa Rica to have the Trophy here and to be involved in Germany," Marin explains proudly.