FIFA Soccer: Two Dreams, One Ticket
Costa Rica and Honduras are gearing up to renew rivalries in the latest installment of their classic Central American rivalry. At stake this time are not only regional bragging rights but a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005.

With so much at stake, the atmosphere is sure to be at fever pitch when the first leg kicks off in San José today (June 29).  Both sides have declared that they are ready to meet the challenge.

Ahead of today's first installment, the Ticos are only too aware of the need to take a commanding lead at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa ahead of the corresponding return fixture in Honduras. Far from being an additional source of pressure, the Costa Rican coach Giovanni Alfaro says it will motivate his side even more. "We're looking forward to the game and anxious to get out there and play, but there's no stress or pressure," he says. For his part, the Honduran player Leslie Ramos was also making light of the mounting expectancy: "Yes, you're always anxious for the game to begin, but I have no problem sleeping at night. I trust in my team-mates."

Costa Rica, who finished runners-up to the USA in their qualification group, know that qualification is of immense importance after the national U-20 side failed in their earlier bid to qualify for the FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005. As Alfaro sees it, qualification is a must. "Not making it to the World Championship would be very frustrating and a serious blow to the development of our football," warns the coach.

Unfortunately, the Ticos will be without two of their star players for the tie: midfielder Roberto Carrillo and striker Guillermo Guardia.

Honduras, for their part, arrived in Costa Rica with expectancy at an all-time high after earning their play-off berth with a second place finish behind regional powerhouses Mexico.

Despite their lofty ambitions, the Catrachos deny that they are favourites, insisting that their rivals have the odds in their favour on this occasion. "As well as being able to prepare better, the Costa Rican team have more financial backing. For us it will be very hard to make it to the World Championship," says team coach Miguel Escalante.

The Honduran coach is hopeful that his side can get a result in Costa Rica on the back off good link play and a strong team performance. This will be necessary, he says, because the team have "very few standout individuals".

One factor that may have a large bearing on the game is the artificial turf at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa. The visiting Honduran side have taken precautions to ensure they perform well on what will be their first game on the surface. "The artificial pitch should not really affect us as we've trained on this kind of surface in the USA. However, we've never played on one with wet grass, which could well be the case on Wednesday," said Escalante.

By contrast, the Honduran trainer Miguel Cabrera was less optimistic with respect to the pitch. "Our preparation has been insufficient. You have to start by using special boots on this surface. Without adequate training on it, the players' performance suffers.

Just like their rivals, Honduras will also be without one of their key players, defensive midfielder Junior Bonilla. Despite the loss, there is no hint of defeatism from the catracho camp. "We'll be going all out in search of a good result. Costa Rica are a good side with stature and strength, but we have qualities of our own," said striker Milton Palacios with a confident air.