SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia - While Costa Rica's (0W-0D-2L, 0GF, 3 GC) chances of advancing to the knockout round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup are no more, there is still plenty at stake for the Ticos when they meet Switzerland in their Group E finale on Wednesday at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
Only once in its previous four World Cup appearances has Costa Rica failed to win a match (Germany 2006), so there is plenty of motivation within the squad to earn all three points against the Swiss.
"It's a match we have to face with everything and above all try to get a result so we can leave here with dignity with a win," said DF Jonny Acosta to reporters.
There is also an impetus to find the back of the net.
The Ticos have yet to score a goal at Russia 2018, much to the frustration of the players who achieved wins over former world champions Uruguay (3-1) and Italy (1-0) four years ago in Brazil.
"Here we have not taken advantage of the clear scoring chances that we've had," said DF Oscar Duarte.
"In Brazil is was different for us. We had a chance and we finished it. Against Italy I remember that we only had one chance at goal and it was a goal. Here we haven't been as clear in scoring and of course goals decide matches," added Duarte.
Meanwhile, in defense, Costa Rica has enjoyed one of its finest performances in a World Cup, having conceded just three goals. With a clean sheet against Switzerland, the Ticos would accomplish its second-best defensive performance in a World Cup group stage, trailing only the two goals allowed at Brazil 2014.
For Duarte, the strong display at the back has much to do with the work put in by Head Coach Oscar Ramirez.
"For me the coach has done a great job, sadly the results haven't backed it up, but on the field he has done a good job. Everyone here backs the coach," concluded Duarte.
