Quarter-final losers Costa Rica have nothing more to dream about when it comes to their 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign. The Central American side can now turn its focus on the Copa America after penalty nightmares prevented them from going past Honduras last Saturday.
Ex-Mexico manager Ricardo La Volpe, who blamed Costa Rica’s Gold Cup quarter-final defeat on football’s “lottery” factor, will guide an improved U-23 team during the 2011 Copa America. Following the country’s unconvincing display in the currently on-going CONCACAF Championship and ahead of Costa Rica’s Olympic and World Cup qualifying campaigns, La Volpe explained:
“It is a process. We are getting to know the players a bit more. We don't have so many hours together like other teams.”
The Argentine-born manager, whose contract with La Sele is set to end in 2014 after being appointed in September 2010, added:
“This is a new team. Those who understand, good! Those who don't, it's always difficult! But we are making decisions now, for the future national team.
“We were the youngest team in the [2011 Gold Cup] tournament. I think we have to keep working, keep observing the situation. The future is great with these players.”
Costa Rica are set to land in Argentina for the 2011 Copa America later this month, on June 28 precisely, according to the country’s Football Federation. They’ve been drawn alongside host nation Argentina in Group A and will open their Copa America campaign against Colombia on July 2 at the Estadio 23 de Agosto.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s third match-day will be marked by an interesting encounter against the Albicelestes. Will all hopes be lost or alive, on that day, for La Sele?
Your views:
Do you believe in Ricardo La Volpe’s management of Costa Rica? Are his side’s Copa America chances real enough? What could help La Sele avoid the disappointment they encountered during the 2011 Gold Cup?
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