It’s been 10 days since Costa Rica lost to the Netherlands and had their dreams of winning the World Cup dashed on Brazilian soil. Ten long days since these gritty young men held a Dutch powerhouse of a team scoreless through regulation and overtime, only to lose to “Clockwork Orange” on penalty kicks. One fateful kick away from the Semi-Finals and a berth in the final four. They did not pull off a miraculous upset victory over “The Flying Dutchmen”, but La Sele did earn the respect of the entire soccer world by emerging victorious from the “Group of Death” and making it further in this World Cup than they ever had before in their history. Our smiling Tico underdogs showed that they can play with any team out there, and the people of Costa Rica are so very proud of them and what they accomplished in Brazil this year. It’s taken me 10 days to write this blog because I’ve been heartbroken since the loss and the topic was too sensitive for me to address. What an amazing ride to have been fortunate enough to be a part of!!! This paradise of a country that I have made my home was vibrating with enthusiasm and pride every moment that their beloved team was on the field, and the energy of the people was undeniable. 

When it all came to an end against the Netherlands, Ticos & Ticas everywhere flooded the streets and applauded the impressive performance of the their team. Many tens of thousands of fans began requesting off from work and making plans so they could be at SJO airport to greet the team when they landed last Tuesday afternoon. I stayed away from the chaos that day, but I’ve been told that the streets were flooded around the airport and that La Sabana Park was mobbed with grateful, smiling faces. Some drove and others walked, but everyone wore team colors and waved Costa Rican flags with a great sense of pride and joy. La Sele had represented CR in the 2014 World Cup tournament hard core, and the people will never forget the guts and skill that the players left on the field. There’s plenty to look forward to in 2018 for “the little country that could”…