As the Socceroos vs Costa Rica clash approaches we take a look at some of the players to watch from the visiting side.
As the Socceroos vs Costa Rica clash approaches we take a look at some of the players to watch from the visiting side.
Bryan Ruiz Costa Rican captain Bryan Ruiz played a crucial role in helping his nation to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The left attacking midfielder scored three goals throughout the campaign with the first ensuring his side salvaged an away draw to Panama before getting the opening goal in the return fixture as Los Ticos won 2-0. Proving he is a threat against some of he world-s best he went on to score in Costa Rica-s final qualifying match where they won 2-1 over Mexico. Ruiz has played in the English Premier League for Fulham since 2011 and in turn was a teammate of Socceroos veteran Mark Schwarzer. Ruiz played 31 games in the 2012-13 season, scoring five goals and has played six of Fulham-s last seven matches this season including a standout performance in his side-s 4-1 win away to Crystal Palace where he set up three goals.
Joel Campbell Forward Joel Campbell is approaching 30 appearances for Costa Rica and has become a regular starter in his national side since first getting a call-up in 2011. He scored in one of Costa Rica-s defining World Cup qualifiers as they knocked off the USA 3-1 in September. Having signed with English Premier League Arsenal he has since had loan stints with FC Lorient, Real Betis and is currently playing for Greek giants Olympiacos.
Bryan Oviedo Playing as a left winger or left back Bryan Oviedo was a regular in a strong Costa Rican side that is looking to impress in Brazil having missed qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The 23-year-old joined Everton in the English Premier League shortly after Tim Cahill's departure having played for top Danish side FC Copenhagen. Despite getting numerous appearances last season, Ovideo has struggled to break into the starting Everton side but will no doubt be looking to catch the eye of Everton's Roberto Martinez with a strong performance in Sydney.
Carlos Hernandez Currently a fringe Costa Rican squad member, Carlos Hernandez will be hoping to get a call-up when his national side ventures down under. The former Melbourne Victory star has impressed for the Wellington Phoenix since he again began playing under Ernie Merrick at the start of the 2013-14 Hyundai League season. The 31-year-old has looked the most dangerous in a much improved Phoenix side having won the Johnny Warren medal for the 2009-10 season with the Victory. Hernandez has always had a close relationship with national coach Jorge Luis Pinto so he will be hoping that he will get to show that he still has what it takes to play at the international level against the world's best.
Keylor Navas Number one Costa Rican keeper Keylor Navas has played fifty times for his nation and was another key contributor throughout the Costa Ricans qualifying campaign. Navas plies his trade for Levante in the Spanish La Liga for whom he joined last year. Since his arrival the 26-year-old has become the first choice keeper for a side that is currently sitting in 8th position in the league. Navas is one of two Levante players to have played in every minute this season and has kept 6 clean sheets in 11 matches to ensure that his side sits just a win outside of 4th position. Navas will have the task of keeping out the likes of Josh Kennedy and Robbie Kruse when he makes the trip down under to face the Socceroos later this month.
Upcoming Match Details
Socceroos v Costa Rica Tuesday 19 November 2013 Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
The match between the Socceroos and Costa Rica will be broadcast live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.
