'World Cup Fans' is a special SBS News series running in the lead up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It looks at the 32 qualifying countries through the eyes of their fans in Australia.
Four years ago Costa Rica wasn’t expected to advance from its "group of death"- but saw off two former World Cup winners in Italy and Uruguay and went on to draw with England on the way to the last eight.
The tiny Central American Nation continues to punch above its weight, and the Costa Rican community in Australia is hoping it will be another exciting tournament in Russia.
Former Socceroo Gerry Gomez, left, and Marvin Tapia. Source: John Baldock / SBS News
Former Socceroo Gerry Gomez represented his adopted country twice after leaving Costa Rica as a 16-year-old.
He was filled with pride in 2014: "Just to see them in the World Cup and [do] so well for such a little country, it was fantastic," he told SBS News.
Costa Rica will face tough group opponents Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland in Russia, but Gomez believes they can make it.
The team’s hopes may well rest with one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Real Madrid star Keylor Navas.
Fan favourite: Keylor Navas. Source: Getty Images
But Navas isn't the only player group rivals will be worried about, says Australian-based Costa Rican fan Mario Marin.
"Of course Navas,” he said, “but also Brian Ruiz [a midfielder from Portuguese club Sporting CP], and Joel Campbell [currently on loan to Spanish club Real Betis from Arsenal], we have lots of very, very good players so no doubts about it."
Costa Rican fans gearing up for the World Cup Source: SBS - John Baldock
Marvin Tapia runs a Central American gift shop in Sydney. He says with a population of just under five million, Costa Rica can do no wrong.
"It’s not a huge country in terms of population so it’s hard to develop players,” he said.
“But hopefully they always do ok and I think that's the main thing”.
Mr Tapia lives by the Costa Rican slogan of “Pura Vida,” meaning “the good life”.
"Try and be happy, and as we say in Costa Rica, 'pura vida'… pure life, live it up”.
Costa Rica kicks off its World Cup campaign against Serbia on 17 June.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins 15 June. SBS will broadcast the biggest games, including the opening match, semi-finals and final, live, free and in HD.
