NATAL, Brazil — The U.S. national soccer team waited four years for this moment, to measure progress since the last World Cup, to avenge losses against a two-time nemesis and to implement Jurgen Klinsmann's grand plan.
SÃO PAULO – Visions of a World Cup punctuated by protests and violence in Brazil are fading as the highest scoring tournament in a half century wins over fans in the first four days of matches.
The passion most Ticos have for football has officials at the Social Security System worried. Last week the Caja issued an order to all doctors at public hospitals to restrict permission for sick days throughout the month. Apparently employees' health tends to deteriorate during the World Cup.
Honduras became the first team to lose in the World Cup from North and Central America, after Costa Rica defeated Uruguay, 3-1, yesterday and Mexico held off Cameroon, 1-0, on Friday.
Hundreds of Ticos gathered in downtown San José’s Plaza de la Democracia to watch the game on a large LED screen. Once Costa Rica emerged victorious over Uruguay -- a stunning, 3-1, win over one of the top-ranked team's in the world -- the crowd exploded with joy.
A star is born! Costa Rica's 21-year-old forward Joel Campbell celebrates scoring his team's first goal during a Group D football match between Uruguay...
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.
Costa Rica supporters can still watch the match for free at the "Fan Zones" set up throughout the country. Four 40 meter-wide LED screens have been set up at Plaza de la Democracia in downtown San José; at Avenida Escazú, southwest of San José; at Juan Santamaría Park in Alajuela; and at Cartago’s Central Park.
