WORLD CUP SOCCER:
Costa Rica Better Than in 2002, Ssays Wanchope
Costa Rica's all-time leading scorer Paulo Wanchope says the Ticos are a better side than four years ago when they narrowly missed out on reaching the knockout stages at the World Cup.

Costa Rica beat China, drew with Turkey but then lost 5-2 to Brazil in their final group game, a defeat that allowed the Turks to progress on goal difference.

The Ticos face hosts Germany in the tournament opener in Munich on Friday and the 29-year-old Wanchope is confident that his side can progress from a group also including Ecuador and Poland.

"We are a better organized team," the striker told reporters after training on Wednesday before the squad's departure for Munich.

"Defensively we are stronger and we can also play good football and score goals.

"Even if we only play with one up front that doesn't mean we cannot play well."

Wanchope said memories of their departure from Korea four years ago have spurred the team on.

"We just realized we can do better, so from that we know we can compete and get through to the next round." The Ticos reached the second round in their first World Cup finals appearance in 1990 before being thrashed 4-1 by Czechoslovakia.