Central America

Messi and Argentina choke on their own hype in Saudi Arabia's historic upset

Argentina, ranked third in the FIFA Rankings and a trendy pick to win the World Cup, has suffered one of the greatest upsets in tournament history after Saudi Arabia, ranked 51st and expected to finish fourth in Group C, went toe-to-toe with the South American giant and prevailed 2-1. 

The match had presented Argentina with a chance at equaling Italy's international record of 37 games unbeaten, but that streak is over and more importantly, La Albiceleste are in serious trouble with Mexico (Nov. 26) and Poland (Nov. 30) up next.   

Beware Spain! Costa Rica beat Nigeria with fantastic display of TICO-taka

Barcelona and Spain's national team popularized tiki-taka in soccer. But their hypnotic passing style — when a squad tries to control the ball and dominate its opponent — is not alone . In Costa Rica there exists the tico-taka, which was on full display during a 2-0 win over Nigeria on Wednesday night. 

It's true we're used to seeing Costa Rica with a more rough and raw style of play, but from time to time they show they can produce beautiful and poetic moments of fútbol. And that's when this tico-taka appears. 

One last dance? Well-known group of veterans lead Costa Rica's 26-man list for the World Cup

Costa Rica head coach Luis Fernando Suarez entrusted veterans Keylor Navas, Bryan Ruiz, Joel Campbell and Oscar Duarte to lead their challenge at the Qatar World Cup as he named his 26-man selection for the tournament on Thursday.

The tournament will be the quartet's third World Cup finals appearance, with Suarez also including the likes of Francisco Calvo, Yeltsin Tejeda and Kendall Waston.

There was also a place for young Sunderland striker Jewison Bennette who opened his international account with two goals against South Korea in September.

Team-by-team guide: 2022 Costa Rica World Cup preview

To prepare you for the tournament, The18 has launched team-by-team previews for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Here's the Costa Rica World Cup 2022 preview. Los Ticos will play in Group E against Spain, Germany and Japan.

Costa Rica World Cup Preview 2022

World Cup appearances: 6th

Best finish: Quarterfinals (2014)  

Costa Rican young star could miss the World Cup after positive doping test

Costa Rica midfielder Orlando Galo has tested positive for a prohibited substance following a random test carried out in September, the country's football federation (FCRF) said on Tuesday.

Galo, who has played nine times for Costa Rica and helped them qualify for the World Cup, tested positive for Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) after his sample was among 15 randomly taken during their friendly tour of South Korea last month.

Magisterial Lionel Messi chip shot goal vs. Honduras in Miami brought down the house

Lionel Messi was involved in all three of his team’s goals vs. Honduras on Friday as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory. The PSG forward is a man on a mission and he showed that at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with this ridiculous chip shot.

Lionel Messi Chip Shot vs Honduras

In the 69th minute (nice) and Argentina leading 2-0, Messi scored a worldie. The goal was so nonchalant and peak Messi. He didn’t even look like he was trying, no first touch, just shoot.

Honduras Player Was Doping For Qualifier vs. USMNT, Still Lost 3-0 And Now Faces 18-Month Ban

Honduras defender Wisdom Quaye has been banned for 18 months due to an anti-doping rule violation, soccer's global governing body FIFA said on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old right back tested positive for clostebol — which is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency — following a World Cup qualifying match vs. the United States on Feb. 2.

Team-By-Team Guides: 2022 World Cup Previews

To prepare you for the tournament, The18 has launched 2022 World Cup team previews for each of the 32 nations competing in Qatar. 

Below you will find each team listed along with a link to those previews that have been published. Check back throughout the buildup to the 2022 World Cup as we publish a complete list of World Cup team previews, updated with the latest on each team participating in the greatest men's soccer tournament in the world. 

Alexandra Pinell Scores Ridiculous Goal At U-20 Women's World Cup

Alexandra Pinell has set the internet ablaze with one of the most incredible and mind-boggling goals in recent memory. 

Costa Rica is hosting the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and the home side played its first match against a talented Australian team. Setting up a free-kick from some 40 yards out, no one in the stadium expected Pinell to shoot. And yet, filled with adrenaline and confidence, the Costa Rica captain stood over the ball and knew exactly what was about to happen. 

Cucho Hernández Scores Late Game-Winner In Columbus Crew Debut

Cucho Hernández broke a tie in the 83rd minute in his MLS debut and Derrick Etienne Jr. scored twice as the Columbus Crew overcame a two-goal, second-half deficit to defeat the host Chicago Fire 3-2 on Saturday.

Hernández took an outlet from Luis Díaz, who had two assists, and chipped the ball inside the left post over goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina as the Crew (6-5-7, 25 points) extended their unbeaten streak to six (3-0-3).

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