WORLD CUP 2006
Costa Rica Tactics
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In qualifying, Costa Rica used a 4-4-2 most frequently but at times switched to a 3-5-2.
Francisco Porras is the Ticos’ first-choice keeper, with Luis Marin and Gilberto Martinez set to start in central defence. Who starts in the full-back positions will depend on how coach Alexandre Guimaraes wants to play. Jervis Drummond (right) and Leonardo Gonzalez (left) offer stronger defensive qualities; Harold Wallace (right) and Roy Miller (left) are more attack-minded. If the Ticos switch to three at the back, Martinez and either Drummond or Gonzalez will flank Marin.
Mauricio Solis is the top defensive midfielder and will have the more creative Walter Centeno alongside him. Ronald Gomez and Carlos Hernandez like to play in front of Centeno, just behind the forwards, and both have good strong long-range shots.
If Costa Rica want to counter-attack, the pacier Cristian Bolanos will be used instead of Hernandez and he can attack down either wing.
If Guimaraes is looking for a more defensive line-up, he will add another defensive midfielder such as Dany Fonseca, and team Centeno with Alonso Solis, who is adept at retaining possession.
Up front, the Paulo Wanchope-Alvaro Saborio pairing brought the best results in qualifying, despite the players being similar in style. Gomez can also play up front, in place of Saborio, when more ball skills are needed. If Costa Rica need goals late in the game, Rolando Fonseca offers a change of pace in attack. Speed is Winston Parks’ biggest forte, and in qualifying he came in for Saborio when the Ticos looked to counter-attack.
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