Don't Count Out Costa Rica

Although this small Central American country (pop. 4.9 million) is hardly mentioned as a threat to win it all in Russia, one need only recall Los Ticos' performance four years before in Brazil, where it emerged atop its group that included Italy, Uruguay, and England to advance to the quarterfinals, before falling (on penalties) to the Netherlands.  This time, Costa Rica will face off against Serbia, Brazil, and Switzerland; and the Golden Bears will see them in action June 22 in St. Petersburg against Brazil (only the most successful team in World Cup history).