Skip to main content

In Costa Rica, U.S. looking to shrug off distractions and qualify

The U.S. will face Costa Rica at the Chinese-built National Stadium in San Jose.

The U.S. will face Costa Rica at the Chinese-built National Stadium in San Jose.

I wasn't expecting to have a discussion on human rights, but José was eloquent in his opinions, and as I've often noticed on these CONCACAF trips -- including to Cuba in 2008 -- he knew more about U.S. current events and politics than most Americans. Some of my best memories covering this sport come from trips to World Cup qualifiers throughout CONCACAF, from the hills of Central America to the beaches of the Caribbean to the historic soccer shrine of Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The reception inside the stadiums hasn't always been friendly -- this is sports, after all -- but the people everywhere else have been terrific.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.