| Facts : |
| • |
Costa Rica has taken part in
every FIFA World Cup qualifying competition
since 1958, winning through to the finals
in 1990 and 2002. They proved one of the surprises
of Italy '90, racking up two memorable wins
against European sides when they defeated
Scotland 1-0 and Sweden 2-1. |
| • |
Their campaign ended in the round of sixteen,
where they were crushed 4-1 by Czechoslovakia.
Costa Rica put in another strong performance
in 2002, only going out in the group round
on goal difference to eventual semi-finalists
Turkey. |
| • |
Their best result came in 1946, when they
beat Panama 12-0. Their most ignominious defeat
was at the hands of Mexico, who beat them
7-0 in 1975. |
