Coach: Alexandre Guimaraes

Star Players: Paulo Wanchope, Jafet Soto, Cristian Bolanos

Tournament Best: Second Round 1990

Last Time: Group Stage

Qualifying: 3rd in CONCACAF Group Stage

Top Scorer In Qualifying: Paulo Wanchope 8

Costa Rica will be attending their third World Cup, with real hope of reaching the second round.

They will most likely be competing with Poland and Ecuador for second place, assuming that Germany top the group.

Gangly front man Paulo Wanchope became Costa Rica's all-time leading scorer in qualifying and will be their biggest goal threat. He is nearing the end of his career though and will retire after the competition.

Midfielder Jafet Soto also has huge experience and will provide Wanchope with good service.

As will winger Cristian Bolanos who is rated as one of the best young players in the CONCACAF region.

Costa Rica combine flair with a team ethic and could cause an upset in group A if they can sort out their defence, which conceded too many in qualifying.