WORLD CUP SOCCER:
Costa Rica World Cup History
In only three days the Costa Rica national team faces Germany in the opening game of the 2006 World Cup. For Costa Rica this is the 3rd World Cup appearance, which is currently a record.

Their first time in the competition came in Italia 1990.

Drawn in Group C with Brazil, Scotland and Sweden, little was expected of the Ticos but they quickly surprised the world and delighted England fans everywhere by beating Scotland 1-0 in their first group game.

Despite a defeat to Brazil, they conquered Sweden in their final group game and qualified for the last 16 of the tournament. Their luck ran out when they took on Czechoslovakia in Round 2 and were thrashed 4-1, although the score did stand at 1-1 for a time.

They then had to wait for 2002 for their next appearance, once again in the tournament's Group C.

Again, they faced Brazil as well as Turkey and newcomers China. They won against China, drew against Turkey and were defeated by Brazil, finishing their group with 4 points. By virtue of goal difference they were eliminated, but as their group contained 2 semi finalists, they had little to be ashamed of.

This time around they are drawn in Group A, which will involve taking on Ecuador, Poland and hosts Germany in the tournament's opening game.

Will they progress to the last 16 again? The pundits will no doubt have earmarked Poland and Germany to rise out of Group A, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the fiery Tico's give us some more World Cup shockers!