Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
poorly, not an under-rated team achieving greatness. That was all to change in the 44th
minute of that fateful Friday's game.
In true Pura Vida style, Costa Rica's President Luis Guillermo Solis sensed the sig-
nificance of the match and had given all but the most essential services in the country a
two-hour break to watch the game. When the game ended at midday there was no way the
nation would go back to work. The Happiest Country on the Planet was in a state of joyful
bliss. The President himself was seen that afternoon in a La Sele (short for The Selection)
red jersey leading crowds of revelers in the streets of San Jose. The red team Jersey, sold
on corners of most every town in Costa Rica began selling out.
The victory over Italy was described as 'a heroic performance' and 'the greatest sport-
ing moment in the nation's history' by international commentators. Team captain Bryan
Ruiz, who scored the winning goal, said, “I think it's only now, a little after the game, that
it's sinking in how much this achievement will mean to the people of Costa Rica.” What
many didn't realize was that this was not the end of Costa Rica's accomplishments.
Four days later Costa Rica held soccer goliaths England to a 0-0 draw to secure them-
selves the top spot in their pool and a place in the playoffs. Greece fell to them next and
it took the giants of soccer from the Netherlands to stop Costa Rica's charge for the cup
