Country: Costa Rica

Official website: www.fedefutbol.com

Nickname(s): Ticos, Tricolor, La Sele

Manager: Rodrigo Kenton (2009)

Gold Cup appearance(s): (9) 1991, 1993, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009

Best finish: Finalist (2002)

A perennial powerhouse in CONCACAF, Costa Rica qualified for the 2009 Gold Cup by finishing as runner-up to Panama in the UNCAF Nations Cup final, losing on a penalty kick shootout after a scoreless final. Costa Rica has reached the quarterfinal round of the Gold Cup six times and twice - in 1993 and 2002 - was a semifinalist. In 2002, Costa Rica had its best ever Gold Cup appearance. After beating invitee Korea Republic 3-1 in the semifinals, Costa Rica fell to host United States 2-0 in the final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Costa Rica has advanced to the final hexagonal stage of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. The Ticos are looking for a third consecutive berth.