HAVING TOPPED competitive Central American Zone in the last round, many regard Costa Rica as legitimate contenders to secure a place at this summer's Under-17 World Cup in South Korea.

'The Ticos', as they are affec-tionately called by their fans, booked one of the two spots awarded to Central America when they beat out hosts El Salvador for the Centroamericana de F?œtbol (UNCAF) Cup. Costa Rica finished ahead of El Salvador on goal difference, stopping the tournament's hosts 2-0 in the final game. Despite a loss to Panama in the earlier rounds, Costa Rica notched some impressive results including a 5-0 drubbing of Guatemala and a 5-1 pounding of Nicaragua. Many see the Costa Ricans as favourites to book a place in the World Cup by snatching the runners-up or even the top spot in Group B. The Ticos were the first team from Central America to take part in the 1985 FIFA Under-16 World Championship in China. Since then, Costa Rica have qualified for five more World Cups, the most by any team from Central America. The Costa Ricans are coached by Manuel Gerardo Urea.

The Squad: Leonel Moreira, Roy Smith, Juan Monge, Esteban Luna, Daniel Varela, Michael Jimnez, David Guzman, Julio Ibarra, Jorge Alejandro Castro, Marcos Ure-a, Bruno Castro, Erick Rojas, Bryan Oviedo, Miguel Brenes.

- K.M.