Costa Rica names strong squad for October friendlies

On October 1, Costa Rica named its squad for its upcoming friendlies against South Africa (10/8 in Costa Rica) and the USA (10/13 at Red Bull Arena). It is a strong roster, indicating Los Ticos' desire to shrug off a so-so year that has seen the team win just one of 11 games, and lose a head coach (Paolo Wanchope).

Convocatoria de #LaSele para los partidos contra Sudáfrica y Estados Unidos. pic.twitter.com/fVl6RFdj73

— FEDEFUTBOL (@FEDEFUTBOL_CR) October 1, 2015

Keylor Navas, Bryan Ruiz, and Joel Campbell are arguably the biggest names in Costa Rica's player pool - and 6' 5" Kendall Waston is one of the biggest players. This is an experienced team that, on paper, looks among the best in CONCACAF. Certainly that is what Costa Rica will be hoping to prove when World Cup qualifying kicks off in November.

For fans who were wise and fortunate enough to get tickets for Los Ticos' visit to Red Bull Arena: the game may be a friendly and it's not clear how strong the USA side Jurgen Klinsmann sends out will be, but this is a strong Costa Rica team seeking to reassert its status as one of the region's heavyweights.

Should be a good game.