Rodney Wallace is in confident spirits after learning Costa Rica’s fate for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Los Ticos were drawn into Group E of the competition alongside Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia and NYCFC could have two representatives in the squad in the shape of Wallace and Ronald Matarrita. Both played key roles in helping Costa Rica to the competition as runners-up in the CONCACAF Hexagonal Qualifiers.
Serbia will be up first for Rodney’s nation and he believes that this opening engagement could be the crucial match.
READ: #NYCSoccerStories - Leo Bremond, Episode One
Wallace told NYCFC.com: “It’s a very competitive group but I think that it is possible for us to get out first if not second.
“We will have to get off to a good start in our match vs Serbia. A win is would set the tone and could put us in a very good position to advance.”
Costa Rica reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after emerging from a group containing England, Italy and Uruguay.
It was a fantastic achievement as Los Ticos upset the odds to reach the last eight for the first time in their history.
It won’t be easy with another difficult group served up but Wallace believes that they can go even further if they express themselves on the world’s biggest stage.
Wallace added: "Brazil is a great team with many stars, but these other countries in the group are also strong and not to be taken lightly.
“A good tournament for Costa Rica would be playing good fútbol, getting the results that would push us further and further in the tournament.
“Getting past the quarterfinals is something we are looking to do with the main goal is to have a chance to win it.”
