The face-off between Holland and Costa Rica has caused good-humored personal tension among some Dutch expats, who must balance national pride with strong Tico relationships.
Defender Roy Miller will miss Costa Rica's historic World Cup quarterfinal with the Netherlands on Saturday because of a left foot injury, according to his federation. Miller, a reserve defender on the national team, almost certainly would've certainly started against the Dutch in place of centerback Óscar Duarte -- who was red carded during the Ticos' previous match.
Clad in orange and beaming with joy, a crowd of Oranje fans poured out of Jazz Café Escazú to celebrate in the street. They had every reason to party: Against all expectations, the Netherlands national football team trounced Spain 5-1, paving the way for future victory.
