Can Costa Rica cause shock at the 2023 Australian & New Zealand World Cup?

The Costa Rican National team are preparing themselves for their second all-time run in the upcoming World Cup. In the CONCACAF Women's Championship in 2022 the 'Las Ticas' managed to pull some impressive results that consist of a 3-0 win against Panama and a 4-0 wing against Trinidad and Tobago.

With this being the 2nd time the Costa Rican National team have entered the World Cup along with their impressive results last year it begs the question, will Costa Rica shock everyone at the upcoming World Cup? Although the football standard in Costa Rica is not at a professional standard yet, there has been some great talent that has come from the country that have the power to influence the nation into success. One of them being Raquel Rodriguez.

Raquel Rodriguez currently plays for Portland FC as an attacking midfielder but has been playing for the NWSL since 2016. In her first season in the NWSL she was awarded 'Rookie Of The Year' for her performances with Sky Blue FC. The following season Rodriguez managed to score the fastest goal in NWSL history. Scoring a goal within 24 seconds of starting the match. Ironically, against Portland FC.

She currently has over 125 appearances in the NWSL as well as achieving over 100 caps for the Costa Rican National team. She has scored a whopping 55 goals for the national team and was also the first ever player to score a goal in the World Cup.

Her ability on the ball and the leadership qualities she can display within the squad shows how much of an influence she can have in helping Costa Rica achieve milestones this summer. Costa Rica World Cup predictions?

When Costa Rica last competed in the World Cup (2015) the 'Las Ticas' had 2 draws and 1 loss in the group stage of the competition which unfortunately saw the squad say their goodbyes. 8 years forward, Costa Rica find themselves with an almost complete fresh new squad with all players thriving to get started. In order for them to pass group stage they have to find points against Spain, Japan and Zambia.

Although the betting odds are against them. I can see Costa Rica reaching the knockout stages of the competition. Uncertain on how they will do once they reach them stages. I am certain that they will manage to achieve the points they need for them to continue their run in the World Cup.