Costa Rica's 2022 World Cup Squad: Players To Watch

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 52 views

The Costa Rica national football team, affectionately known as "Los Ticos," embarked on their journey to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with a squad brimming with experience and a few exciting new talents. This article delves into the key players who represented Costa Rica on the world's biggest stage, examining their roles, strengths, and contributions to the team's performance. Let's explore the roster that aimed to make their mark in the tournament.

Goalkeepers

At the heart of any successful team is a reliable goalkeeper, and Costa Rica was no exception. The goalkeeping position was a crucial aspect of Costa Rica's strategy, providing a sense of security and leadership from the back. The experience and shot-stopping ability of the veteran goalkeeper were vital for Los Ticos

Keylor Navas: Without a doubt, Keylor Navas is the most recognizable name in Costa Rican football history. Navas, with his wealth of experience playing for top clubs like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, brought unparalleled leadership and shot-stopping prowess to the team. His reflexes, command of the area, and ability to make crucial saves were instrumental in keeping Costa Rica competitive. Navas's presence in goal provided a massive boost to the team's confidence and defensive stability. His performance was closely watched as he aimed to replicate his heroics from the 2014 World Cup.

Navas's journey to becoming a world-class goalkeeper is truly inspiring. His dedication to training and his unwavering focus have made him a role model for aspiring footballers in Costa Rica and beyond. Beyond his technical skills, Navas is also known for his humility and his strong faith, which have guided him throughout his career. In the 2022 World Cup, Navas faced immense pressure as the last line of defense, but he handled it with grace and determination. His saves not only kept Costa Rica in games but also lifted the spirits of his teammates and the entire nation. Navas's legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation is firmly cemented, and his contributions to Costa Rican football will be remembered for years to come.

Defenders

The defensive line formed the backbone of Costa Rica's tactical setup, aiming to provide a solid shield against opposing attacks. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents in defense aimed to create a resilient and organized unit. The defenders were tasked with not only thwarting attacks but also initiating plays from the back, contributing to the team's overall strategy.

Óscar Duarte: A mainstay in the Costa Rican defense, Óscar Duarte brought experience and composure to the backline. His aerial ability, tackling skills, and reading of the game made him a vital asset in both defending set-pieces and neutralizing opposition attacks. Duarte's leadership qualities also helped organize the defense and maintain a cohesive unit.
Bryan Oviedo: Primarily a left-back, Bryan Oviedo offered versatility and experience to the Costa Rican squad. His ability to defend diligently and contribute to the attack with his crossing and forward runs made him a valuable asset on the flank. Oviedo's experience playing in Europe also provided a tactical awareness that benefited the team.
Francisco Calvo: Known for his physical presence and defensive solidity, Francisco Calvo was a key figure in the center of defense. His ability to win aerial duels, make crucial interceptions, and clear dangerous balls made him a reliable presence in the backline. Calvo's commitment and determination were essential in maintaining a strong defensive structure.

Costa Rica's defensive strategy relied heavily on a well-organized backline that could absorb pressure and effectively counter-attack. The defenders worked tirelessly to maintain their shape, track runners, and close down spaces, making it difficult for opponents to penetrate their defensive third. Their communication and understanding were crucial in executing the game plan and protecting their goal. The defensive unit's performance was a testament to their dedication and commitment to the team's success. They faced tough challenges against some of the world's best attackers, but they stood tall and fought hard to keep Costa Rica in contention.

Midfielders

The midfield maestros of Costa Rica were the engine room of the team, responsible for dictating the tempo, winning possession, and creating goal-scoring opportunities. The midfield composition was a blend of experienced campaigners and dynamic youngsters, each bringing unique qualities to the team's overall game plan. Their ability to control the flow of the game and link defense with attack was crucial for Costa Rica's success.

Celso Borges: A veteran midfielder, Celso Borges brought a wealth of experience and tactical awareness to the Costa Rican midfield. His ability to win tackles, distribute the ball effectively, and provide defensive cover made him a crucial cog in the team's engine room. Borges's composure and leadership qualities were also vital in guiding the younger players.
Bryan Ruiz: The captain and creative spark of the team, Bryan Ruiz was the orchestrator of Costa Rica's attacks. His vision, passing range, and ability to find pockets of space made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Ruiz's experience and leadership were invaluable in inspiring the team and unlocking stubborn defenses.
Gerson Torres: A dynamic and energetic midfielder, Gerson Torres brought a youthful exuberance to the Costa Rican midfield. His ability to run with the ball, take on defenders, and create scoring chances made him a valuable asset in the attacking third. Torres's pace and creativity added a different dimension to the team's midfield options.

The midfield's primary role was to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. They worked tirelessly to win the ball back, distribute it efficiently, and create opportunities for the forwards. Their ability to switch between defensive and attacking phases seamlessly was crucial for maintaining balance and dictating the flow of the match. The midfielders also played a vital role in supporting the defense and providing cover when needed. Their teamwork and understanding were essential in executing the game plan and maximizing the team's potential.

Forwards

The attacking firepower of Costa Rica was spearheaded by a mix of experienced strikers and promising youngsters, all hungry to make their mark on the world stage. The forwards were tasked with leading the line, creating scoring opportunities, and converting chances into goals. Their ability to stretch defenses, make intelligent runs, and finish clinically was crucial for Costa Rica's attacking success.

Joel Campbell: A familiar face in the Costa Rican national team, Joel Campbell brought pace, skill, and experience to the forward line. His ability to run at defenders, create chances, and score goals made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Campbell's versatility allowed him to play in multiple attacking positions, adding flexibility to the team's tactical options.
Anthony Contreras: A young and promising striker, Anthony Contreras offered a fresh injection of energy and dynamism to the Costa Rican attack. His pace, movement, and ability to finish clinically made him a valuable asset in the final third. Contreras's hunger and determination were evident in his performances, as he looked to make a name for himself on the world stage.

The forwards were responsible for leading the attack, creating scoring opportunities, and converting chances into goals. They worked tirelessly to stretch defenses, make intelligent runs, and link up with the midfield. Their ability to hold the ball up, bring teammates into play, and finish clinically was crucial for Costa Rica's attacking success. The forwards also played a vital role in pressing the opposition defense and winning back possession in advanced areas. Their determination and commitment were essential in creating a threat and putting pressure on the opposition.

Coach

Luis Fernando Suárez: The experienced coach Luis Fernando Suárez took charge of the Costa Rican national team, bringing his tactical expertise and leadership to guide Los Ticos through the challenges of the World Cup. Suárez's experience in managing national teams and his understanding of the game were crucial in preparing the team for the tournament. His tactical decisions, team selections, and motivational skills played a significant role in shaping Costa Rica's approach to each match.

Suárez's coaching philosophy emphasized a well-organized defense, a disciplined midfield, and a dynamic attack. He focused on building a cohesive team unit, instilling a strong work ethic, and fostering a winning mentality. Suárez's ability to adapt his tactics to suit different opponents and situations was a key asset for Costa Rica. He also placed great emphasis on player development, providing opportunities for young talents to shine and contribute to the team's success. Suárez's leadership and guidance were instrumental in steering Costa Rica through the tough qualification process and preparing them for the challenges of the World Cup.

The Costa Rica 2022 World Cup squad represented a blend of experience and youth, with each player bringing unique qualities to the team. While their journey in the tournament may have had its challenges, the team's performance was a testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to representing their nation with pride. The players left everything on the field, showcasing their skills, determination, and passion for the game. Their participation in the World Cup served as an inspiration to aspiring footballers in Costa Rica and a source of national pride for the entire country. Los Ticos aimed to build on this experience and continue to develop their footballing program for future success. Overall, the squad showed heart, grit, and determination, embodying the true spirit of Costa Rican football. The blend of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters provided a glimpse into the future, signaling a bright future for football in Costa Rica.