Costa Rica Stars Praise Compact Nature of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Doha, June 15 (QNA) - Costa Rica national team's stars Kendall Waston and Francisco Calvo said that they believe the compact nature of the FIFA World Cup 2022 will provide an unprecedented experience for the competition.
After beating New Zealand in the Play-offs, Waston said that compact nature of the World Cup will mean players can focus on recovery rather than travel long distances. Calvo agreed.
"When we went to Brazil, there were long distances between cities, with flights of two to three hours, then returning back to our training base. Everything here is going to be close and that will be good. For me, its going to be one of the best World Cups in history. Qatar has all the conditions to do it, so we just need to enjoy it," Calvo said.
On his impression of the stadium, Waston said he was impressed with the quality and amenities that make up Ahmad Bin Ali. "The stadium is world-class, its top notch," he said of the Al Rayyan-based venue. "I think Qatar has everything that you can ask for. The only thing is that in the World Cup, I think the stadium environment is going to be at 100% capacity, so we are going to enjoy it even more." Calvo called on the fans to visit Qatar and support their team during the World Cup. He stressed that the team will be looking to do their best in a difficult group.
On the competition being held in the Middle East and Arab world for the first time, Calvo said that "its something different, its something new, and Im happy that Costa Rica will be part of it." "We just need to enjoy the World Cup and try to do our best. For now, its time to enjoy, to be happy, to rest and then work to prepare for the World Cup," he added.
Team preparation will be of utmost importance for the Central Americans, as Costa Rica are lined up against tough opposition in Group E. They will begin their campaign against Spain at Al Thumama Stadium on Nov 23 before meeting Asian powerhouses Japan at Ahmad Bin Ali on Nov 27. They will conclude their group stage schedule when they face four-time champions Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on Dec 1. (QNA)