Germany’s too sure of their win, says Costa Rica’s coach, Alexandre Guimaraes.

The Brazilian-born Guimaraes, who played for the Ticos at the FIFA World Cup 1990 and coached them in Korea/Japan four years ago, said his side should not be viewed as whipping-boys.

“We have qualified for two straight World Cups. So taking that into account, as it is popularly said, they (the German media) should not spit in the air,” Guimaraes told reporters after training at the Waldstadion on Tuesday.

“We are not worried about what is being said about us. We are only concerned with ourselves… doing well in the World Cup and that is what we are here for.”

Striker Paulo Wanchope, the national team’s top scorer, has also been put through special training to protect a long-standing knee problem that has plagued his career.

“He is ready. If the coach wants to use him he is okay,” Artavia said of the 29-year-old, who scored in Costa Rica’s 5-2 defeat by world champions Brazil four years ago.

Costa Rica are making their third appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals. In 2002 they were unlucky to be eliminated in the first round as they lost out on goal difference to eventual semi-finalists Turkey.

Source: WCoffsite