Costa Rica is a country of soccer fanatics. On Tuesday I watched Costa Rica’s youth team play in the World Junior Cup against a powerful Brazilian team. Both teams had played in an earlier match with Brazil winning 5-0. This time around Brazil had their work cut out for them. Costa Rica put up a valiant fight in this semi-final match. They only lost by a score of 1-0. Next week they will play for third place in the tournament.

Last night everything was at stake for the National team or “Sele” as they call it here. This game was for “all of the marbles.” A do or die game for Costa Rica against the United States. Costa Rica could not tie. They had to emerge victorious. During the first half of the game Costa Rica jumped out to a surprising 2-0 lead. However, things changed in the second half. The U.S. Scored once and then again with only 30 seconds left in the game. The Ticos were heartbroken! The team had the game won only to blow it. The tie virtually eliminated Costa Rica from participating in the 2010 word cup of soccer, soccer’s Super Bowl.

I viewed the game at the Fiesta Casino with some friends including my lovely girlfriend. I wore my Costa Rica soccer jersey like many of the other spectators. Although I am originally from the United States I really wanted Costa Rica to win to assure their participation in the World Cup. Unfortunately it didn’t happen.

I really enjoy getting together with my friends to watch soccer games and other sporting events. If you decide to live or retire in Costa Rica you most certainly will find some interesting activity to get involved with to keep you busy and happy and to make new friends.