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One reason every team at the World Cup can win

By Ty Finch

MOSCOW, RUSSIA DECEMBER 1, 2017: Winner's trophy at the Final Draw for 2018 FIFA World Cup at the State Kremlin Palace. Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS (Photo by Stanislav Krasilnikov\TASS via Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA DECEMBER 1, 2017: Winner's trophy at the Final Draw for 2018 FIFA World Cup at the State Kremlin Palace. Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS (Photo by Stanislav Krasilnikov\TASS via Getty Images) /
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Costa Rica: Keylor Navas

If you’ve ever played in an online game in FIFA 18 against Real Madrid, you’ll know first hand that it’s nearly impossible to score against Keylor Navas. You can do everything right leading up to the final moment inside of 12 yards, strike the ball with power, spin and placement, and still, Navas will probably get a glove to it.

Even though this superhuman effort in the game is overblown, it’s not without reason. Navas is one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, and his extraordinary ability will have to be on show in the World Cup if Costa Rica want to have a legit shot at the trophy.

Of course, it’s not as if Navas is their only terrific player. Giancarlo Gonzalez is a central defender for the Italian side Bologna who was included in the BBC’s team of the tournament in the 2014 World Cup. He has experience and guile in the back and will be key if Costa Rica want to go even further than their last run in 2014.

Rodney Wallace is a winger who can terrorize a defense with his pace and smart runs. Both Bryan Ruiz and Marco Urena are plucky, experienced forwards who can pop up at a moment’s notice and score a goal out of nowhere.

However, it’s Keylor Navas who needs to have the tournament of his life if Costa Rica want to win the World Cup. In 2014, Navas only let in two goals in Costa Rica’s run to the quarterfinals. As a team, they only scored five total goals, three of which came in the first game against Uruguay, so those shutouts were absolutely essential. It’s going to be crucial once again for Los Ticos to have dreams of winning it all.

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