How Los Ticos Went from Underdog to World Cup Legends

by Paige Higginson-Rollins (United States of America)

I didn't expect to find Costa Rica

“Si se puede! Si se puede!” Nestled in the mountains of Costa Rica, the sole bar in Monteverde overflowed with locals and tourists alike; red, white, and blue blurred together in celebration of Los Ticos. The Costa Rican national football team qualified for the 2014 World Cup and overcame the daunting task of surviving the Death Group, taking down the goliaths of football: Uruguay, Italy, and England. Playing for a spot in the quarterfinals, Costa Rica now faced Greece. Twenty minutes turned to ninety with no goals, and the atmosphere started to thrum as the chanting grew louder. “Si se puede! Si se puede!” I shifted in my seat and looked around. Backpackers and farmers mingled, sharing tables and taking turns yelling at the television. I looked up from my milk crate, the last seat in the building, at an older woman who was clutching her jersey, tears of pride streaking her face. Just the day before I walked the streets of Monteverde basking in the quiet mountain air and exchanging pleasantries with the people I met. Pura vida, no stress, as a way of life is taken seriously, and its meaning permeates every nook and cranny of the country. As I took in the bar’s atmosphere, I had a hunch that pura vida was suspended during the World Cup. Time dwindled down on the game clock with the score tied at 0-0. Everyone’s breath hitched as the match moved to penalty kicks. Costa Rica scored, then Greece. As the tie continued unbroken, the screaming grew louder and hoarser. The Greek kicker set up the ball. One, two, three steps and the ball went flying. Time slowed as Costa Rica’s goalie leapt across the goal, arm outstretched, fingers barely catching the ball, sending it to the sideline. Everyone in the bar jumped out of their seat, dancing and yelling. “Olé, Olé, Olé!” The match ended with Costa Rica’s final goal, giving them the lead. The crowd erupted, rattling the windows. The woman next to me grabbed my hands and we jumped excitedly together. She screamed, “This is history for us!” giving me a hug and turning back around to join her group. Bodies bumped into one another; arms outstretched in group hugs. Beers were passed around amidst cheering and chanting. The bartender switched the channel to a local news station where the President of Costa Rica was leading a parade down the interstate in San José, the capital. The entire country was celebrating Los Ticos’ best World Cup performance, which would culminate in a quarterfinal match against Holland. With beautiful rainforests and world-renown beaches, Costa Rica has a lot to be proud of. Ranking among the highest country in the region and the world for satisfaction, economic development, and environmental justice, it is also a staunch defender of human rights worldwide. Though the country abolished its military in order to enshrine the country’s dedication to peace, it nonetheless proved its mettle on the soccer field that day. The bar patrons poured onto the street, dancing and waving flags and jerseys. Cars honked as the town paraded down the street, celebrating a hard-fought victory while most were already yearning for their team’s chance to take on Holland. Walking out of the bar, I couldn’t help but feel happy for the pride that Costa Ricans must have felt that day.