World Cup 2018: A comprehensive look at Group E

#3 Costa Rica

Costa Rica might pip Switzerland for the second spot

Costa Rica made heads turn in the 2014 World Cup, by storming into the quarter-finals before losing out to the Dutch in shootouts. This edition will see Costa Rica as one of the strongest teams of the CONCACAF group.

Costa Rica qualified as the runner-up in the CONCACAF qualifiers, just behind Mexico and ahead of the likes of Panama and USA. Placed in Group E, Costa Rica are more than capable of making a surprise entry into the RO16, surprising Switzerland in the process.

Coach: Oscar Ramirez

The name might make him sound like a stereotypical Mexican, but was a midfielder for Costa Rica, who has spent most of his coaching career back home. He is a predominantly defensive coach, who will look to grind out results.

Ramirez took his spot at the helm only in 2015, after their coach of the last campaign was sacked by the FA. The team he has selected is pretty identical to the one from 2014, and a repeat of that heroics is not off the cards.

Costa Rica's squad for the World Cup

The goalkeeper position is one Costa Rica has no problem whatsoever with, as Real Madrid's Keylor Navas serves as captain as well. Navas has turned into one of the best keepers in the world at the moment, and will be instrumental to their fortune.

The general consensus among the Costa Rica fans is that if it were not morally reprehensible to play a 8-1-1 formation, Ramirez totally would. But since it is, the team settles for a 5-4-1 or a 5-3-2 depending upon the opposition.

Gonzalez, Acosta and Watson combine to form the three CB line, with Celtic's Gamboa and one of Matarrita/Oviedo playing as the wing backs. Sporting's Bryan Ruiz, and Bolanos serve as the attacking wingers, while Guzman and Borges are the two defensive midfielders.

When needed, Ramirez switches the two DMs with two attacking midfielders, but the team thrives mostly on solidarity in defense. LAFC's Urena is the sole striker up-front, with Betis' Joel Campbell coming on as an impact substitute.

The lack of options for scoring goals is Costa Rica's biggest weakness, and will be the difference between progressing further into the tournament and exiting early. Urena is not a known goalscorer, so the wingers will have to come good for the team.

The Centre back is an absolute rock in defense and will not be easy to deal with

Player to watch out for: Kendall Watson

Standing at an impressive 6 ft 5 inches, Watson is a force on the field both literally and metaphorically. Watson was the one who scored the goal that sent Los Ticos to the World Cup, a 95th minute equaliser against Honduras.

The 30 year old is currently playing in the MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps, and is an integral part of the team. He was selected as part of the MLS Best XI of the season in 2015 and most recently in 2017.