This isn't just about East vs. West tensions or the perils of playing football in the desert heat or the opaque machinations of an organization begging for reform. This is also about the blatant disregard for the role of sports, recognized by the United Nations and much of the international community, to promote human rights as a universal ideal.
The Ticos jumped up 12 places after reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time. Costa Rica also surpassed Mexico (No. 18) for the first time since the polls started in 1993.
La Sele wasn't the only Costa Rican team in Brazil for the World Cup this month. A team of nine teenagers representing Costa Rica's indigenous groups also competed in the international "Indigenous Cup."
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – An executive from the World Cup's hospitality services firm escaped out the back door of his plush Rio de Janeiro hotel Thursday to avoid arrest on charges of illegally selling tickets, police said.
Initially, Perelstein expected to use photography to condemn the World Cup and FIFA’s presence in Brazil. But as they spent more time spent in the country, the tone of the project evolved.
The Ticos will be the only team in mighty Group D not ranked among the top 10 in the world. Costa Rica begins its World Cup campaign against 7th-ranked Uruguay on June 14, followed by 9th-ranked Italy on June 20 and finally 10th-ranked England on June 24.
Elated by what's been considered a successfully run Under-17 Women's World Cup, the head of the Costa Rican Football Federation (Fedefut) said he wants to organize next a lower-level men's World Cup championship.
FIFA President Joseph Blatter probably figured he'd be hearing this question from the press during his visit to Costa Rica on Thursday. And when the time came answer it Blatter turned toward the head of the Costa Rican Football Federation, and smirked.
