FIFA praises Costa Rica's victory in pre-World Cup

(IANS) The international football governing body FIFA praised Costa Rica's national futsal or indoor football team for its victory against Guatemala in the pre-World Cup.

In a note titled "Costa Ricans break the monopoly" and published on its website, FIFA highlighted the victory of the Costa Rican team against Guatemala Monday, one of the best indoor football teams in the region, reports Xinhua.

FIFA praised the spirit of Costa Rica to defeat Guatemala, which was supported by almost 7,000 fans during the final game played at "Domo Polideportivo", in Guatemala City Sunday.

"The Costa Rican players had a hesitant performance at the beginning of the tournament, with a draw 4-4 against Mexico. Later, they reacted with a 2-1 victory against Cuba. And finally they became leaders of Group B after defeating Saint Kitts and Neves 7-1," said FIFA.

The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) teams that qualified for the World Cup to be played in Thailand in November are Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama and Mexico.

This will be the third time for Costa Rica to take part in an indoor soccer World Cup.