Costa Rica's Matarrita out of World Cup due to injury
What's the story
Costa Rica have been dealt with a massive blow. Defender Ronald Matarrita was ruled out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup after he suffered a hamstring injury. The football federation of Costa Rica was quick to name his replacement. The Central American giants have asked Kenner Gutierrez to join the squad immediately in Russia. Costa Rica open their campaign against Serbia on Sunday.
Unlucky
Ronald Matarrita suffered hamstring injury during a session
New York City FC's left back Ronald Matarrita got injured during the team's training session in Saint Petersburg. Scans revealed the seriousness of Matarrita's hamstring injury as this incident could keep him on the sidelines for 2 to 3 weeks. Matarrita's replacement Gutierrez plays for Alajuelense in Costa Rica's top division.
Plenty of options
Costa Rica have Sunderland's Oviedo as well
Costa Rica also have Sunderland's Bryan Oviedo in their ranks. He can fill up the left back's role in the absence of 23-year-old Ronald Matarrita. With just one injury till now, coach Oscar Ramirez will hope to deliver a better performance than 2014 World Cup. Costa Rica are pitted in Group E which consists of tournament favorites Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia.
Information
Cost Rica aim to better 2014 World Cup heroics
Costa Rica had a fantastic run in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. They advanced to the knock-out stage from a group which had Uruguay, Italy and England, all World Cup winners. Ultimately, they suffered a loss against Netherlands in penalties in the quarter-finals.