U-17 World Cup

Who are the next big stars of Costa Rican football? Any one of these seven players could hold that answer as they look to rise up the ranks with club and country.

Juan Diego Quesada was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Under-17 Women's National Team less than a month after Costa Rica's dismal performance in the World Cup hosted by the country.

Japan completed a magnificent Under-17 Women's World Cup run with a, 2-0, victory over Spain in the championship at the National Stadium in west San José on Friday evening. Japan dominated the tournament, scoring 23 goals and allowing only one in the World Cup

Here's a recap of what stood out to readers in March.

President Laura Chinchilla declared that Friday would be a holiday for public employees as long as they spend their day off watching some World Cup action.

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.

Japan and Spain will face off in the world championship Friday at 5 p.m. in the National Stadium, in west San José. Venezuela and Italy will play for third place in the stadium at 2 p.m. If you would like to see a World Cup title match, tickets are available through FIFA's website, and cost as little as $6.

Venezuela against Japan and Spain will play Italy in today's semifinals of the Under-17 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica. Each team will be dreaming of winning what would be its first title in the fourth edition of this tournament.

The final four is set for Monday in Liberia, the capital of the northwest province of Guanacaste. Japan and Venezuela clash first at 5 p.m., followed by a meeting between European rivals Italy and Spain at 8 p.m.