Police in Costa Rica on Sunday seized 4.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug had originated in Colombia. The authorities in Costa Rica said that the drug bust was the Central American nation's second-largest this year.

Major drug seizures have raised fears in recent years that Costa Rica is becoming a major transit country for Colombian drugs that then head towards Europe. This has got the officials in one of Central America's most stable nations worried.

The cocaine was transported in a container loaded with ceramic floor tiling. It was aboard a commercial ship that arrived at Costa Rican port of Moin from Colombian port of Turbo.

"We're very close to 40 tonnes of marijuana and cocaine seizures in the country (so far in 2021). We hope to surpass last year's numbers," Costa Rica's Security Minister Michael Soto said in a statement.

Costa Rican authorities seized nearly 57 tonnes of cocaine in 2020, up 56% from a year earlier, according to the security ministry. They seized 14.5 tonnes of marijuana last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police in Costa Rica on Sunday seized 4.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug had originated in Colombia. The authorities in Costa Rica said that the drug bust was the Central American nation's second-largest this year.

Police in Costa Rica on Sunday seized 4.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug had originated in Colombia. The authorities in Costa Rica said that the drug bust was the Central American nation's second-largest this year. Major drug seizures have raised fears in recent years that Costa Rica is becoming a major transit country for Colombian drugs that then head towards Europe. This has got the officials in one of Central America's most stable nations worried. The cocaine was transported in a container loaded with ceramic floor tiling. It was aboard a commercial ship that arrived at Costa Rican port of Moin from Colombian port of Turbo. "We're very close to 40 tonnes of marijuana and cocaine seizures in the country (so far in 2021). We hope to surpass last year's numbers," Costa Rica's Security Minister Michael Soto said in a statement. Costa Rican authorities seized nearly 57 tonnes of cocaine in 2020, up 56% from a year earlier, according to the security ministry. They seized 14.5 tonnes of marijuana last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Costa Rican police seize 4 tonnes of Colombian cocaine

Brooklyn Museum returns 1,305 artefacts to Costa Rica

Mexico, Chile and Costa Rica started administering Latin America’s first Covid-19 vaccines Thursday as the region hardest hit by the disease seeks relief from the pandemic.

Hardest hit by COVID-19, Latin America begins mass vaccination drive

Costa Rica received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines late Wednesday and planned to start vaccinations the following day, joining Mexico among the first Latin American countries to begin mass immunization campaigns.

"Tomorrow the first Costa Ricans will be vaccinated," President Carlos Alvarado said at a news conference.

"It is positive news for our country because it may be the beginning of the end of this pandemic," he added.

The Costa Rican leader was at Juan Santamaria airport in the capital San Jose to greet the flight that delivered the first 9,750 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which arrived at 9:00 pm (0300 GMT on Thursday).

Costa Rica last week announced it had approved the vaccine, though it said at the time a supply would not be available until the first quarter of 2021.

Health workers and the elderly will be the first to receive jabs.

"It is not an immediate end, this will take more time and we have to continue to take care of ourselves," the president added.

Costa Rica, a country of about five million people, had recorded more than 160,000 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday, with 2,065 deaths.&nbsp;

Like many other countries, its health system is under severe strain with the number of Covid-19 patients.

Elsewhere in Latin America, Mexico will also begin vaccinations on Christmas Eve, using its first batch of 3,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Chile was scheduled to start next week, while Argentina was awaiting delivery of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

Costa Rica received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines late Wednesday and planned to start vaccinations the following day, joining Mexico among the first Latin American countries to begin mass immunization campaigns.

Costa Rica received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines late Wednesday and planned to start vaccinations the following day, joining Mexico among the first Latin American countries to begin mass immunization campaigns. "Tomorrow the first Costa Ricans will be vaccinated," President Carlos Alvarado said at a news conference. "It is positive news for our country because it may be the beginning of the end of this pandemic," he added. The Costa Rican leader was at Juan Santamaria airport in the capital San Jose to greet the flight that delivered the first 9,750 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which arrived at 9:00 pm (0300 GMT on Thursday). Costa Rica last week announced it had approved the vaccine, though it said at the time a supply would not be available until the first quarter of 2021. Health workers and the elderly will be the first to receive jabs. "It is not an immediate end, this will take more time and we have to continue to take care of ourselves," the president added. Costa Rica, a country of about five million people, had recorded more than 160,000 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday, with 2,065 deaths. Like many other countries, its health system is under severe strain with the number of Covid-19 patients. Elsewhere in Latin America, Mexico will also begin vaccinations on Christmas Eve, using its first batch of 3,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Chile was scheduled to start next week, while Argentina was awaiting delivery of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

Costa Rica to begin Covid vaccination on Christmas eve

One of the most important things is to prove that it’s financially profitable as well as be environmentally and socially sustainable.

Costa Rica's hybrid sailboat aims to reduce carbon footprint

The men's US national team has called off plans to go to&nbsp;Qatar&nbsp;for a winter&nbsp;training&nbsp;camp&nbsp;following&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">Middle East</a>,&nbsp;US&nbsp;Soccer&nbsp;said on Friday.

"Due to the developing situation in the region,&nbsp;US&nbsp;Soccer&nbsp;has decided to postpone travelling to&nbsp;Qatar&nbsp;for the Men's National Team's scheduled January&nbsp;training&nbsp;camp,"&nbsp;US&nbsp;Soccer&nbsp;said in a short statement.

Iran's clerical and military rulers have threatened revenge for an American air strike at Baghdad airport on Friday that killed Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Quds&nbsp;Force and architect of its growing military influence in the Middle East.

US coach Gregg Berhalter had called up 25 players for the 20-day sojourn scheduled to begin on January&nbsp;5.

His side were to play closed door games at Doha's Aspire Academy before heading home to face <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-magazine-271883">Costa Rica</a> in Carson, California&nbsp;on February&nbsp;1.

That game will go ahead as planned,&nbsp;US&nbsp;Soccer&nbsp;said, and they are now working on an alternative schedule to prepare for that fixture.

"We are working with the&nbsp;Qatar&nbsp;Football Association to find an opportunity in the near future for our team to experience&nbsp;Qatar's world-class facilities and hospitality,"&nbsp;US&nbsp;Soccer&nbsp;added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mandzukic-joins-qatars-al-duhail-from-juventus-270107">Qatar</a>&nbsp;will host the World Cup in 2022 and the US kicks off its qualifying&nbsp;campaign in September. The US is desperate to qualify for the&nbsp;Qatar&nbsp;tournament&nbsp;after&nbsp;surprisingly missing out last time in Russia.

The men's US national team has called off plans to go to Qatar for a winter training camp following unrest in the Middle East, US Soccer said on Friday. "Due to the developing situation in the region, US Soccer has decided to postpone travelling to Qatar for the Men's National Team's scheduled January training camp," US Soccer said in a short statement.

The men's US national team has called off plans to go to Qatar for a winter training camp following unrest in the Middle East, US Soccer said on Friday. "Due to the developing situation in the region, US Soccer has decided to postpone travelling to Qatar for the Men's National Team's scheduled January training camp," US Soccer said in a short statement. Iran's clerical and military rulers have threatened revenge for an American air strike at Baghdad airport on Friday that killed Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Quds Force and architect of its growing military influence in the Middle East. US coach Gregg Berhalter had called up 25 players for the 20-day sojourn scheduled to begin on January 5. His side were to play closed door games at Doha's Aspire Academy before heading home to face Costa Rica in Carson, California on February 1. That game will go ahead as planned, US Soccer said, and they are now working on an alternative schedule to prepare for that fixture. "We are working with the Qatar Football Association to find an opportunity in the near future for our team to experience Qatar's world-class facilities and hospitality," US Soccer added. Qatar will host the World Cup in 2022 and the US kicks off its qualifying campaign in September. The US is desperate to qualify for the Qatar tournament after surprisingly missing out last time in Russia.

Following an unrest in Middle East, US Soccer team cancels training camp in Qatar

An international magazine in its annual global retirement index has rated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/malaysia-offers-to-buy-more-imports-from-india-after-threat-of-palm-oil-curbs-256078">Malaysia</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-says-deeply-concerned-about-developments-in-south-china-sea-244942">Vietnam</a> in Asia among the top-10 nations to retire abroad.

The International Living magazine rated Portugal as the top country to retire citing pleasant climate with an "affordable lifestyle" along with quality healthcare, safety rate and "excellent food and wine". The survey also pointed out that "Portugal is the second least expensive country in Europe" making it an ideal country to finally retire.

The magazine ranked Malaysia in number seven due to its "idyllic beaches" with the language being an easy mechanism of communication since English was the "unofficial" first language. Cheap food and low living costs counted in Malaysia's favour with affordable medical care being another factor that helped the country to rank among the best retirement destinations in the world.

Vietnam was last in the list of top-10 with "high-quality healthcare, good roads, and modern conveniences". The low cost of living also added to Vietnam's charm with friendly people and affordable luxuries. The survey found the country to be a great travel hub with several international flights connecting with the country.

Not surprisingly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuela-france-wests-duplicity-196078">France</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-ambassador-to-spain-hurt-in-barcelona-mugging-244352">Spain</a> were picked at ninth and eighth places respectively with Ecuador being a surprise sixth choice in the list due to its weather and fertile valleys. Interestingly, Columbia in Latin America finished among the top-5 with access to an easy retirement visa.

Mexico was ranked number four with Costa Rica with its low cost of living and "top-notch medical care" in no-3 slot.

The survey put Panama which is close to the US with "sunny weather" and exciting food options with benefits and discounts for retirees as the no-2 country to retire.

An international magazine in its annual global retirement index has rated Malaysia and Vietnam in Asia among the top-10 nations to retire abroad. The International Living magazine rated Portugal as the top country to retire citing pleasant climate with an "affordable lifestyle" along with quality healthcare, safety rate and "excellent food and wine".

An international magazine in its annual global retirement index has rated Malaysia and Vietnam in Asia among the top-10 nations to retire abroad. The International Living magazine rated Portugal as the top country to retire citing pleasant climate with an "affordable lifestyle" along with quality healthcare, safety rate and "excellent food and wine". The survey also pointed out that "Portugal is the second least expensive country in Europe" making it an ideal country to finally retire. The magazine ranked Malaysia in number seven due to its "idyllic beaches" with the language being an easy mechanism of communication since English was the "unofficial" first language. Cheap food and low living costs counted in Malaysia's favour with affordable medical care being another factor that helped the country to rank among the best retirement destinations in the world. Vietnam was last in the list of top-10 with "high-quality healthcare, good roads, and modern conveniences". The low cost of living also added to Vietnam's charm with friendly people and affordable luxuries. The survey found the country to be a great travel hub with several international flights connecting with the country. Not surprisingly France and Spain were picked at ninth and eighth places respectively with Ecuador being a surprise sixth choice in the list due to its weather and fertile valleys. Interestingly, Columbia in Latin America finished among the top-5 with access to an easy retirement visa. Mexico was ranked number four with Costa Rica with its low cost of living and "top-notch medical care" in no-3 slot. The survey put Panama which is close to the US with "sunny weather" and exciting food options with benefits and discounts for retirees as the no-2 country to retire.

Portugal best country to retire; Malaysia, Vietnam top in Asia: Study

At his home in rural Costa Rica, biologist Federico Paniagua joined his family at the dining table to devour several types of insects that he raised on his farm and whose flavor he compares to potato chips.

Looking for low-cost and highly nutritious? Go for insects!

A 27-year-old man feeds wild crocodiles on the banks of River Tarcoles, Puntarenas province in Costa Rica for tourists willing to pay money for the spectacle.

Costa Rican man faces down hungry crocodiles to make ends meet

Fight breaks out during Costa Rica motorcycle race

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has met President of Costa Rica Carlos Alvarado Quesada and held "fruitful" discussions on a range of issues, including cross border terrorism, and new areas of collaboration that hold potential to boost the bilateral ties. 
 
Vice President Naidu, who became the first Indian on Friday to receive an honorary doctorate by the University of Peace founded by the United Nations, also invited the Costa Rican companies to invest in India and benefit from high returns. 
 
"President of Costa Rica Carlos Quesada and I have had fruitful and cordial exchanges covering a range of areas of mutual interest. Based on our fruitful exchanges, we are confident that our mutual efforts will open up new and innovative vistas for deepening ongoing engagement between both countries," Naidu said. 
 
"India is a peace loving country but has been a target of terrorism from across our border for the last few decades. We discussed in detail the menace of terrorism and the need to fight in one voice against individuals &amp; terrorist groups engaged in terrorist activities," the Vice President's office said in a tweet. 
 
Naidu, who met president Quesada at the Casa Presidenical in San Jose on Friday, said there were many new areas of cooperation for the two countries to take their bilateral relations to new heights. 
 
He said the Costa Rican strengths that India would want to take advantage of include eco-tourism, clean transport, education and to have zero carbon emission economy by 2021. 
 
"Indian strengths that Costa Rica can benefit from include space and biotechnology, Renewable Energy including solar, pharmaceuticals, ICT particularly eGovernance, hydroelectric generators and power plant equipment, farm machinery &amp; skill upgradation, railway construction," Naidu said. 
 
"Costa Rica is the largest economy in Central America. Costa Rican companies are invited to invest in and benefit from the fastest growing large economy. Current bilateral trade volumes between both countries are to the tune of USD 200 million," he said. 
 
Terming Costa Rica as an "important partner" of India, Naidu said the two countries shared "close and cordial" ties based on their shared commitment to the pursuit of democracy, pluralism, multiculturalism, freedom of Press and equitable human rights. 
 
The two countries also exchanged memorandum of understanding on waiving visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders and the signing of the Letter of Intent to collaborate in the field of Biotechnology. 
 
"India &amp; Costa Rica could collaborate in various aspects of skill development such as Soft Skills, Entrepreneurship, Financial and Digital Literacy. 50 per cent of Costa Rican population is less than 25 years. We could share our experiences in skilling, training and capacity building," Naidu said. 
 
Naidu is in Costa Rica as part of his two-nation trip to Paraguay and the Central American country.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has met President of Costa Rica Carlos Alvarado Quesada and held "fruitful" discussions on a range of issues, including cross border terrorism, and new areas of collaboration that hold potential to boost the bilateral ties.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has met President of Costa Rica Carlos Alvarado Quesada and held "fruitful" discussions on a range of issues, including cross border terrorism, and new areas of collaboration that hold potential to boost the bilateral ties. Vice President Naidu, who became the first Indian on Friday to receive an honorary doctorate by the University of Peace founded by the United Nations, also invited the Costa Rican companies to invest in India and benefit from high returns. "President of Costa Rica Carlos Quesada and I have had fruitful and cordial exchanges covering a range of areas of mutual interest. Based on our fruitful exchanges, we are confident that our mutual efforts will open up new and innovative vistas for deepening ongoing engagement between both countries," Naidu said. "India is a peace loving country but has been a target of terrorism from across our border for the last few decades. We discussed in detail the menace of terrorism and the need to fight in one voice against individuals & terrorist groups engaged in terrorist activities," the Vice President's office said in a tweet. Naidu, who met president Quesada at the Casa Presidenical in San Jose on Friday, said there were many new areas of cooperation for the two countries to take their bilateral relations to new heights. He said the Costa Rican strengths that India would want to take advantage of include eco-tourism, clean transport, education and to have zero carbon emission economy by 2021. "Indian strengths that Costa Rica can benefit from include space and biotechnology, Renewable Energy including solar, pharmaceuticals, ICT particularly eGovernance, hydroelectric generators and power plant equipment, farm machinery & skill upgradation, railway construction," Naidu said. "Costa Rica is the largest economy in Central America. Costa Rican companies are invited to invest in and benefit from the fastest growing large economy. Current bilateral trade volumes between both countries are to the tune of USD 200 million," he said. Terming Costa Rica as an "important partner" of India, Naidu said the two countries shared "close and cordial" ties based on their shared commitment to the pursuit of democracy, pluralism, multiculturalism, freedom of Press and equitable human rights. The two countries also exchanged memorandum of understanding on waiving visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders and the signing of the Letter of Intent to collaborate in the field of Biotechnology. "India & Costa Rica could collaborate in various aspects of skill development such as Soft Skills, Entrepreneurship, Financial and Digital Literacy. 50 per cent of Costa Rican population is less than 25 years. We could share our experiences in skilling, training and capacity building," Naidu said. Naidu is in Costa Rica as part of his two-nation trip to Paraguay and the Central American country.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu holds bilateral and delegation level talks with President of Costa Rica

Costa Rica got the first goal here Monday against Belgium only to end up losing 4-1 in the final friendly for both teams ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The potent Belgian attack was in evidence from the start and the first of what would turn out to be numerous tests for Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas came in the 5th minute on a strike by Eden Hazard.

At the other end of the pitch, Belgian keeper Thibault Courtois had nothing to do until the 13th minute, when he easily turned aside an effort by Marco Ureña.

Yet the visitors drew first blood, on a play that began with yet another great stop by Navas and ended with Bryan Ruiz's pouncing on a loose ball and knocking it past Courtois to make it 1-0 for Costa Rica in the 24th minute.

The advantage lasted just seven minutes, as Hazard exploited a defensive error to set up a one-touch strike by Dries Mertens just after the half-hour mark.

Energized by the goal, the hosts turned up the intensity and Navas was called upon for further heroics, including the use of his face to make a stop.

With three minutes left in the half, Romelu Lukaku took a pass from Mertens and let loose a volley that beat Navas to put Belgium up 2-1.

After the break, the hosts picked up where they left off and Lukaku needed just five minutes to get his second of the night, a thunderous header that increased the advantage to 3-1.

Michy Batshuayi added a fourth goal in the 64th minute, with help from both Hazard and Lukaku.

The Costa Ricans, who reached the quarterfinals in 2014, will begin their 2018 World Cup campaign on June 17 against Serbia in a group whose other members are Switzerland and five-time champions Brazil.

Belgium, meanwhile, are looking forward to their June 18 opener against Panama, to be followed by contests with England and Tunisia.

Costa Rica got the first goal against Belgium only to end up losing 4-1 in the final friendly for both teams ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia

Costa Rica got the first goal here Monday against Belgium only to end up losing 4-1 in the final friendly for both teams ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The potent Belgian attack was in evidence from the start and the first of what would turn out to be numerous tests for Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas came in the 5th minute on a strike by Eden Hazard. At the other end of the pitch, Belgian keeper Thibault Courtois had nothing to do until the 13th minute, when he easily turned aside an effort by Marco Ureña. Yet the visitors drew first blood, on a play that began with yet another great stop by Navas and ended with Bryan Ruiz's pouncing on a loose ball and knocking it past Courtois to make it 1-0 for Costa Rica in the 24th minute. The advantage lasted just seven minutes, as Hazard exploited a defensive error to set up a one-touch strike by Dries Mertens just after the half-hour mark. Energized by the goal, the hosts turned up the intensity and Navas was called upon for further heroics, including the use of his face to make a stop. With three minutes left in the half, Romelu Lukaku took a pass from Mertens and let loose a volley that beat Navas to put Belgium up 2-1. After the break, the hosts picked up where they left off and Lukaku needed just five minutes to get his second of the night, a thunderous header that increased the advantage to 3-1. Michy Batshuayi added a fourth goal in the 64th minute, with help from both Hazard and Lukaku. The Costa Ricans, who reached the quarterfinals in 2014, will begin their 2018 World Cup campaign on June 17 against Serbia in a group whose other members are Switzerland and five-time champions Brazil. Belgium, meanwhile, are looking forward to their June 18 opener against Panama, to be followed by contests with England and Tunisia.

Costa Rica fall 4-1 to Belgium in World Cup warm-up

England concluded their FIFA World Cup preparations in an impressive manner after claiming a 2-0 win over Costa Rica in their final warm-up match.

The Manchester United forward&nbspMarcus Rashford had put up a spectacular strike, while Arsenal's Danny Welbeck sealed the result with a second-half header at Elland Road.

The English National team displayed some fine individual performance after&nbspManager Gareth Southgate made 10 changes from Saturday's win against Nigeria at Wembley.

Rashford was the standout performer, pressing his World Cup claims with an outstanding first-half strike to put England ahead in the game. &nbsp

Goalkeeper Nick Pope was given his debut as a second-half replacement for Jack Butland.&nbsp

In the 2018 World Cup, England will play their first game against Tunisia on June 18, at Volgograd Arena, Volgograd, while Rica will face Serbia at Cosmos Arena, Samara on June 17.&nbsp

Goalkeeper Nick Pope was given his debut as a second-half replacement for Jack Butland.

England concluded their FIFA World Cup preparations in an impressive manner after claiming a 2-0 win over Costa Rica in their final warm-up match. The Manchester United forward&nbspMarcus Rashford had put up a spectacular strike, while Arsenal's Danny Welbeck sealed the result with a second-half header at Elland Road. The English National team displayed some fine individual performance after&nbspManager Gareth Southgate made 10 changes from Saturday's win against Nigeria at Wembley. Rashford was the standout performer, pressing his World Cup claims with an outstanding first-half strike to put England ahead in the game. Goalkeeper Nick Pope was given his debut as a second-half replacement for Jack Butland. In the 2018 World Cup, England will play their first game against Tunisia on June 18, at Volgograd Arena, Volgograd, while Rica will face Serbia at Cosmos Arena, Samara on June 17.

Rashford scores stunner as England beat Costa Rica in final World Cup friendly

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas is the most successful football export the Central American country has produced and his quiet but determined leadership will be central to his nation's hopes in Russia.

While several of the generations who reached the last eight of the World Cup four years ago have enjoyed lengthy careers in Europe and, before them, Paulo Wanchope made a mark in England, none has achieved as much as the Real Madrid goalkeeper.

Navas has two Champions League titles and a Spanish league title to his name with Real and despite constant suggestions that Zinedine Zidane might be looking elsewhere for another keeper the Costa Rican has kept his spot.

His ability to put aside these doubts and the frequent unfavourable comparisons to Spain's Manchester United keeper David De Gea, who was once lined up to replace him, is no surprise to those who know Navas's background and the adversity he handled so well on his way to the top.

Navas was born in the town of San Isidro in the agricultural Perez Zeledon region in the south of Costa Rica, to working-class parents.

When his mother and father emigrated to the United States, he was brought up by his grandfather and his early football experience was tough, with his local team Municipal Club Perez Zeledon rejecting him as being too small.

He was forced to leave behind his small rural hometown and move to the capital San Jose at the age of 14 as he sought to get his opportunity with the country's most successful club, Deportivo Saprissa.

At Saprissa, now 1.85 metres tall, the deeply Catholic Navas won six domestic league titles and the CONCACAF Champions League before moving to Albacete in Spain's second division, then Levante.

His superb performances for Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup won him worldwide recognition and persuaded Real to pay his buy-out fee to Levante and bring him to the Bernabeu.

Despite the doubters, he has been a big part of a golden era for Real in European competition, cementing his status as one of the most successful players to emerge from Central America.

Keylor Navas superb performances for Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup won him worldwide recognition

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas is the most successful football export the Central American country has produced and his quiet but determined leadership will be central to his nation's hopes in Russia. While several of the generations who reached the last eight of the World Cup four years ago have enjoyed lengthy careers in Europe and, before them, Paulo Wanchope made a mark in England, none has achieved as much as the Real Madrid goalkeeper. Navas has two Champions League titles and a Spanish league title to his name with Real and despite constant suggestions that Zinedine Zidane might be looking elsewhere for another keeper the Costa Rican has kept his spot. His ability to put aside these doubts and the frequent unfavourable comparisons to Spain's Manchester United keeper David De Gea, who was once lined up to replace him, is no surprise to those who know Navas's background and the adversity he handled so well on his way to the top. Navas was born in the town of San Isidro in the agricultural Perez Zeledon region in the south of Costa Rica, to working-class parents. When his mother and father emigrated to the United States, he was brought up by his grandfather and his early football experience was tough, with his local team Municipal Club Perez Zeledon rejecting him as being too small. He was forced to leave behind his small rural hometown and move to the capital San Jose at the age of 14 as he sought to get his opportunity with the country's most successful club, Deportivo Saprissa. At Saprissa, now 1.85 metres tall, the deeply Catholic Navas won six domestic league titles and the CONCACAF Champions League before moving to Albacete in Spain's second division, then Levante. His superb performances for Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup won him worldwide recognition and persuaded Real to pay his buy-out fee to Levante and bring him to the Bernabeu. Despite the doubters, he has been a big part of a golden era for Real in European competition, cementing his status as one of the most successful players to emerge from Central America.

FIFA 2018: Keylor Navas' determined leadership will be central to Costa Rica's hopes in Russia

"This injury is difficult, and the biggest challenge is right now, going to the World Cup after not playing for three months," the 26-year-old Paris St Germain forward said on a sponsor's social media channel.

Brazilian striker Neymar said getting fit for the World Cup following surgery has been the biggest challenge of his career and he is also worried about how his injured foot will respond to top-class competition.

"The expectations are very high, not just from the fans but from me as well, that's why this is the biggest challenge I'm facing."

He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil.

The striker said he feared he would miss the June 14-July 15 World Cup finals in Russia in the immediate aftermath of suffering the injury.

"I was a bit worried I might not be ready in time but after I had the scans, they...told me about the surgery, how long the recovery would take, and that helped to calm me down.

"I've started training with the ball, I've started shooting and passing and now it's just a case of improving," he added. "I feel good, comfortable, at ease. Of course, there is a certain worry, fear, but little by little I'll lose that."

Neymar, who joined the Ligue 1 club from Barcelona for a record 222 million euros ($265.18 million) last August, is expected to be fully fit by the time Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17.

The five-times world champions will also play Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.

He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil

"This injury is difficult, and the biggest challenge is right now, going to the World Cup after not playing for three months," the 26-year-old Paris St Germain forward said on a sponsor's social media channel. Brazilian striker Neymar said getting fit for the World Cup following surgery has been the biggest challenge of his career and he is also worried about how his injured foot will respond to top-class competition. "The expectations are very high, not just from the fans but from me as well, that's why this is the biggest challenge I'm facing." He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil. The striker said he feared he would miss the June 14-July 15 World Cup finals in Russia in the immediate aftermath of suffering the injury. "I was a bit worried I might not be ready in time but after I had the scans, they...told me about the surgery, how long the recovery would take, and that helped to calm me down. "I've started training with the ball, I've started shooting and passing and now it's just a case of improving," he added. "I feel good, comfortable, at ease. Of course, there is a certain worry, fear, but little by little I'll lose that." Neymar, who joined the Ligue 1 club from Barcelona for a record 222 million euros ($265.18 million) last August, is expected to be fully fit by the time Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17. The five-times world champions will also play Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.

Neymar's foot injury worries him, as he prepares to return

The mega event hosted by Russia will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world

FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup

Ten Americans flying from a vacation hotspot on Costa Rica&#39;s tropical Pacific coast died Sunday when the small plane they had just boarded crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off, officials in the country said.

A list of the passengers given by local media showed five shared the same last name, suggesting they were related.

&quot;The government of Costa Rica profoundly regrets the deaths of 10 US passengers and two Costa Rican pilots in the air accident,&quot; which occurred in the country&#39;s northwestern Guanacaste region, Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis said in a statement posted to social media.

A US State Department official said: &quot;We confirm the deaths of multiple US citizens in an airplane crash in Costa Rica.&quot;

The official said &quot;we express condolences to all those affected by this tragedy,&quot; as well as assistance to &quot;affected US citizens, but that &quot;out of respect for the families, we are not sharing additional information at this time.&quot;

Costa Rican officials said the plane that came down belonged to Nature Air, a domestic airline that services routes across the country and which also provides aircraft for charter.

Guanacaste is a popular vacation destination, especially this time of year, when its pristine beaches and jungle provide a respite for tourists fleeing the northern hemisphere&#39;s winter.

Americans are by far the biggest group of tourists visiting Costa Rica.

The plane that crashed was a single-engine turboprop Cessna 208 Caravan.

Its debris was scattered across a wooded mountain close to the beach town of Punta Islita.

Images posted by the country&#39;s public security ministry showed blackened wreckage, some in flames, with only part of the tail recognizable.

The cause of the crash was not known.

Solis said in his statement that his government &quot;gives its commitment to do everything necessary to work with the relatives of the victims to give them what they need in this difficult moment.&quot;

He said emergency services launched into action when the alarm over the crash was given at 12:13 pm (1813 GMT).&nbsp;

The process of recovering the bodies continued into the night in Costa Rica.

Early Monday &quot;the investigations into the causes of the accident will begin,&quot; Solis said.

The Costa Rican newspaper La Nacion gave the names of the 10 passengers as: Thibault Astruc, Amanda Geissler, Charles Palmer, Bruce Steinberg, Irene Steinberg, Matthew Steinberg, William Steinberg, Zachary Steinberg, Leslie Weiss and Sherry Wuu. 
No ages were given.

The newspaper reported the plane had taken off from the capital San Jose at 11:37 am (1737 GMT) for the small sealed airstrip in Punta Islita, where the tourists boarded.

The passengers had paid $2,300 for their flight, it said.

The two pilots were identified as Juan Manuel Retana Chinchilla and Emma Ramos.

Former Costa Rican president Laura Chincilla -- Solis&#39; predecessor -- said on Twitter that Retana, 52, was her cousin.&nbsp;

&quot;You will remain in our hearts, dear Juan Manuel Retana,&quot; she wrote.

This time of year is particularly busy in Costa Rica&#39;s coastal resort areas as tourists and locals alike spend end-of-year holidays in the sun.

Ten Americans flying from a vacation hotspot on Costa Rica's tropical Pacific coast died Sunday when the small plane they had just boarded crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off

Ten Americans flying from a vacation hotspot on Costa Rica's tropical Pacific coast died Sunday when the small plane they had just boarded crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off, officials in the country said. A list of the passengers given by local media showed five shared the same last name, suggesting they were related. "The government of Costa Rica profoundly regrets the deaths of 10 US passengers and two Costa Rican pilots in the air accident," which occurred in the country's northwestern Guanacaste region, Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis said in a statement posted to social media. A US State Department official said: "We confirm the deaths of multiple US citizens in an airplane crash in Costa Rica." The official said "we express condolences to all those affected by this tragedy," as well as assistance to "affected US citizens, but that "out of respect for the families, we are not sharing additional information at this time." Costa Rican officials said the plane that came down belonged to Nature Air, a domestic airline that services routes across the country and which also provides aircraft for charter. Guanacaste is a popular vacation destination, especially this time of year, when its pristine beaches and jungle provide a respite for tourists fleeing the northern hemisphere's winter. Americans are by far the biggest group of tourists visiting Costa Rica. The plane that crashed was a single-engine turboprop Cessna 208 Caravan. Its debris was scattered across a wooded mountain close to the beach town of Punta Islita. Images posted by the country's public security ministry showed blackened wreckage, some in flames, with only part of the tail recognizable. The cause of the crash was not known. Solis said in his statement that his government "gives its commitment to do everything necessary to work with the relatives of the victims to give them what they need in this difficult moment." He said emergency services launched into action when the alarm over the crash was given at 12:13 pm (1813 GMT). The process of recovering the bodies continued into the night in Costa Rica. Early Monday "the investigations into the causes of the accident will begin," Solis said. The Costa Rican newspaper La Nacion gave the names of the 10 passengers as: Thibault Astruc, Amanda Geissler, Charles Palmer, Bruce Steinberg, Irene Steinberg, Matthew Steinberg, William Steinberg, Zachary Steinberg, Leslie Weiss and Sherry Wuu. No ages were given. The newspaper reported the plane had taken off from the capital San Jose at 11:37 am (1737 GMT) for the small sealed airstrip in Punta Islita, where the tourists boarded. The passengers had paid $2,300 for their flight, it said. The two pilots were identified as Juan Manuel Retana Chinchilla and Emma Ramos. Former Costa Rican president Laura Chincilla -- Solis' predecessor -- said on Twitter that Retana, 52, was her cousin. "You will remain in our hearts, dear Juan Manuel Retana," she wrote. This time of year is particularly busy in Costa Rica's coastal resort areas as tourists and locals alike spend end-of-year holidays in the sun.

Ten Americans killed in plane crash in Costa Rica

&nbsp;

Recently surfaced before and after shots of Benidorm &ndash; a seaside resort on the eastern coast of Spain &ndash; capture the physical transformations that have taken place in the region in less than 50 years.

Gone is the small fishing village of single story houses and olive groves, and in its place has arisen the highest density of skyscrapers in Europe. The economic and social opportunities that have accompanied these changes have altered traditional lifestyles just as dramatically. And it has even been proposed Benidorm should be made a World Heritage Site in recognition of its tourism-driven cultural transformation.

But despite the obvious benefits tourism can bring to an area, the change can be disruptive, and development can challenge preexisting economic, social and environmental models. In the Isle of Man, for example, where I conduct much of my research, a current controversial proposal is to build a caravan park in an isolated area of natural beauty.

But of course, tourism also has many positives and it often paves the way for empowering minorities. Research in Goa, India, for example, shows that tourism enterprises tend to be owned mainly by women, giving them a source of income, independence and respect in a traditionally male-dominated society.

From Costa Rica to the Scottish Highlands

This is why sustainable development &ndash; an approach which tries to balance social, environmental and economic needs long term &ndash; is essential to make sure tourism brings impacts that are more on the positive side and less on the negative.

Involving local people in tourism is usually the place to start, because it is local people who ultimately establish the atmosphere of a destination. Carefully planned eco-tourism in Costa Rica for example, has involved local residents with the new developments to ensure any problems that arise are resolved.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/196300/original/file-20171124-21811-1gpffiy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>
The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Rica&rsquo;s Pacific coast. Wikimedia Commons, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a>

Similar involvement over in Scotland, has seen the West Highland Railway Line run by local volunteers. And it is their enthusiasm that has helped to create a welcoming and award-winning tourist attraction. By contrast, research in Cuba found local people who felt excluded from tourism developments turned their frustrations towards visitors &ndash; damaging the island&rsquo;s reputation as an enjoyable place to holiday in the process.
</figcaption>
</figure>

Expecting the unexpected

But of course, the ultimate aim of sustainable development is to protect the existing economic, social and environmental landscapes of a place. These are after all, what tourists come to explore. So rather than making a quick profit for a few, the idea is that sustainable tourism is something that will stand the test of time and bring diverse benefits for many.

Shark tourism is one example of a fast-growing and lucrative activity which encourages people to enjoy, and make reliable livelihoods from these creatures &ndash; rather than eat them into oblivion, or kill them to sell their fins for traditional medicine.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/196301/original/file-20171124-21805-wdk3gc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>Fresh shark fins drying on sidewalk at Hong Kong. Cloneofsnake/Flickr</figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

But tourism can be an unpredictable industry and various challenges have left many formerly successful tourist destinations struggling to maintain visitor numbers. A series of terrorist attacks in Tunisia, for example, has seen the number of tourists drop by a third since 2014.

Changing tastes and increased competition has also seen many formerly vibrant seaside towns both in the UK and overseas struggling. Malta, for example, has had to work hard to rebrand itself as a cultural destination rather than a budget sun, sea and sand one.

On the down

So what happens when the tourists stop visiting? Well, if it&rsquo;s not managed carefully, it can undermine the whole economic, social and environmental fabric of a place &ndash; and can lead to many socioeconomic problems. High levels of poverty, unemployment, and ill health can be found in many former coastal resorts of the UK &ndash; which have struggled to find new sources of economic diversity. Blackpool, England&rsquo;s emblematic seaside town for example, was recently estimated to have the lowest life expectancy for men and women in the country.

Not far away from Blackpool on the Isle of Man, much of the beautiful Victorian architecture built to serve the once large tourist crowds have been demolished. Yet fearless riders come every year to ride in the island&rsquo;s legendary Tourist Trophy (TT) motorbike races. Cheered on by crowds of visiting enthusiasts, this century old event keeps tradition alive, and at the same time it has evolved to stay relevant. In 2010, the first TT Zero race involving electric bikes took place.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/199910/original/file-20171219-27541-65fwwf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>
The annual TT race festival attracted more than 42,000 people. Shutterstock

So when it comes to planning your holiday destination for the year ahead, try and choose somewhere that protects the local environment and respects human rights &ndash; and use local businesses rather than multinationals.

It&rsquo;s also worth reconsidering resorts that may have fallen out of fashion but still have much to offer. You&rsquo;ll still have a great time, and take some lovely photos, but it might just be that by choosing somewhere off the beaten track, you can make a difference to another person&rsquo;s life in the process.

&nbsp;

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;
</figcaption>
</figure>

When it comes to planning your holiday destination for the year ahead, try and choose somewhere that protects the local environment and respects human rights ? and use local businesses rather than multinationals.

Recently surfaced before and after shots of Benidorm – a seaside resort on the eastern coast of Spain – capture the physical transformations that have taken place in the region in less than 50 years. Gone is the small fishing village of single story houses and olive groves, and in its place has arisen the highest density of skyscrapers in Europe. The economic and social opportunities that have accompanied these changes have altered traditional lifestyles just as dramatically. And it has even been proposed Benidorm should be made a World Heritage Site in recognition of its tourism-driven cultural transformation. But despite the obvious benefits tourism can bring to an area, the change can be disruptive, and development can challenge preexisting economic, social and environmental models. In the Isle of Man, for example, where I conduct much of my research, a current controversial proposal is to build a caravan park in an isolated area of natural beauty. But of course, tourism also has many positives and it often paves the way for empowering minorities. Research in Goa, India, for example, shows that tourism enterprises tend to be owned mainly by women, giving them a source of income, independence and respect in a traditionally male-dominated society. From Costa Rica to the Scottish Highlands This is why sustainable development – an approach which tries to balance social, environmental and economic needs long term – is essential to make sure tourism brings impacts that are more on the positive side and less on the negative. Involving local people in tourism is usually the place to start, because it is local people who ultimately establish the atmosphere of a destination. Carefully planned eco-tourism in Costa Rica for example, has involved local residents with the new developments to ensure any problems that arise are resolved. The Nicoya Peninsula is on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-ND Similar involvement over in Scotland, has seen the West Highland Railway Line run by local volunteers. And it is their enthusiasm that has helped to create a welcoming and award-winning tourist attraction. By contrast, research in Cuba found local people who felt excluded from tourism developments turned their frustrations towards visitors – damaging the island’s reputation as an enjoyable place to holiday in the process. Expecting the unexpected But of course, the ultimate aim of sustainable development is to protect the existing economic, social and environmental landscapes of a place. These are after all, what tourists come to explore. So rather than making a quick profit for a few, the idea is that sustainable tourism is something that will stand the test of time and bring diverse benefits for many. Shark tourism is one example of a fast-growing and lucrative activity which encourages people to enjoy, and make reliable livelihoods from these creatures – rather than eat them into oblivion, or kill them to sell their fins for traditional medicine. Fresh shark fins drying on sidewalk at Hong Kong. Cloneofsnake/Flickr But tourism can be an unpredictable industry and various challenges have left many formerly successful tourist destinations struggling to maintain visitor numbers. A series of terrorist attacks in Tunisia, for example, has seen the number of tourists drop by a third since 2014. Changing tastes and increased competition has also seen many formerly vibrant seaside towns both in the UK and overseas struggling. Malta, for example, has had to work hard to rebrand itself as a cultural destination rather than a budget sun, sea and sand one. On the down So what happens when the tourists stop visiting? Well, if it’s not managed carefully, it can undermine the whole economic, social and environmental fabric of a place – and can lead to many socioeconomic problems. High levels of poverty, unemployment, and ill health can be found in many former coastal resorts of the UK – which have struggled to find new sources of economic diversity. Blackpool, England’s emblematic seaside town for example, was recently estimated to have the lowest life expectancy for men and women in the country. Not far away from Blackpool on the Isle of Man, much of the beautiful Victorian architecture built to serve the once large tourist crowds have been demolished. Yet fearless riders come every year to ride in the island’s legendary Tourist Trophy (TT) motorbike races. Cheered on by crowds of visiting enthusiasts, this century old event keeps tradition alive, and at the same time it has evolved to stay relevant. In 2010, the first TT Zero race involving electric bikes took place. The annual TT race festival attracted more than 42,000 people. Shutterstock So when it comes to planning your holiday destination for the year ahead, try and choose somewhere that protects the local environment and respects human rights – and use local businesses rather than multinationals. It’s also worth reconsidering resorts that may have fallen out of fashion but still have much to offer. You’ll still have a great time, and take some lovely photos, but it might just be that by choosing somewhere off the beaten track, you can make a difference to another person’s life in the process. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: How to make your holiday better for the environment

A strong 6.5 magnitude quake struck the Pacific coast of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/storm-nate-killed-at-least-7-in-costa-rica-5757">Costa Rica</a> near its capital city San Jose on Sunday night, but there were no initial reports of injuries or significant damage to infrastructure.

Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis said authorities were gathering information and asked residents to remain calm and to be prepared for any possible aftershocks.

A Reuters witness said the quake was felt very briefly in San Jose, but it was enough to startle residents.

&quot;We&#39;re very scared. It&#39;s been years since we felt such a strong one,&quot; said Otto Vargas, a university professor in San Jose, who was home with his family when the shaking started.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-hits-iran-iraq-border-area-at-least-65-dead-24060"> quake</a> hit in a rural area near the popular beach tourism city of Jaco, where there are few tall buildings. It did not trigger a tsunami threat in the Pacific.

Firefighters in Jaco said there were no reports of victims or major damage, but said there were some electrical poles that had come loose and fallen. Social media showed images of supermarkets in Jaco with merchandise strewn across the aisles.

The Costa Rican Red Cross said it had no reports of casualties.

Neighboring El Salvador&#39;s civil protection agency tweeted that the quake caused some electrical posts to fall, while the civil protection agency in neighbouring Panama said there were no reports of damage there.

The quake, initially measured as much as 6.8 magnitude, was centred 43 miles (69 km) southwest of San Jose at a depth of 12.3 miles (20 km), the US&nbsp;Geological Survey said.

Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis said authorities were gathering information and asked residents to remain calm and to be prepared for any possible aftershocks.

A strong 6.5 magnitude quake struck the Pacific coast of Costa Rica near its capital city San Jose on Sunday night, but there were no initial reports of injuries or significant damage to infrastructure. Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis said authorities were gathering information and asked residents to remain calm and to be prepared for any possible aftershocks. A Reuters witness said the quake was felt very briefly in San Jose, but it was enough to startle residents. "We're very scared. It's been years since we felt such a strong one," said Otto Vargas, a university professor in San Jose, who was home with his family when the shaking started. The quake hit in a rural area near the popular beach tourism city of Jaco, where there are few tall buildings. It did not trigger a tsunami threat in the Pacific. Firefighters in Jaco said there were no reports of victims or major damage, but said there were some electrical poles that had come loose and fallen. Social media showed images of supermarkets in Jaco with merchandise strewn across the aisles. The Costa Rican Red Cross said it had no reports of casualties. Neighboring El Salvador's civil protection agency tweeted that the quake caused some electrical posts to fall, while the civil protection agency in neighbouring Panama said there were no reports of damage there. The quake, initially measured as much as 6.8 magnitude, was centred 43 miles (69 km) southwest of San Jose at a depth of 12.3 miles (20 km), the US Geological Survey said.

Earthquake in Costa Rica, no casualties

The early effects of Hurricane Otto have killed at least three people and left five more missing in Panama as the nation braces for it.

The country has deployed its rescue workers as rain brought a number of houses down, trapping people inside.

Panama lowered its alert to yellow on Wednesday as Otto moved north. Classes were canceled but will be restored on Thursday, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela announced.

It was also confirmed that at least three deaths in Panama included a couple killed in a slide in Arraijan and an eight-year-old boy killed by a fallen tree in the region of Ancon.

Nicaragua and Costa Rica are also bracing for the impact of Hurricane Otto, which is set to make landfall on Thursday.

The authorities of Nicaragua&#39;s national disaster prevention system, SINAPRED, decreed a red alert across the country on Wednesday, with Otto expected to hit the towns of Pearl Lagoon and Kukra Hill in South Carribean Coast Autonomous Region early Thursday.

In Costa Rica, officials expect Otto to lash near its border with Nicaragua. On Tuesday evening, President Luis Guillermo Solis gave a press conference, calling the hurricane &quot;highly dangerous.&quot;

The countries of Central America have not been hit by hurricanes in such southern areas, which meant they have less preparation and resource than other more hurricane-prone countries.

(Reuters)

The country has deployed its rescue workers as rain brought a number of houses down, trapping people inside

The early effects of Hurricane Otto have killed at least three people and left five more missing in Panama as the nation braces for it. The country has deployed its rescue workers as rain brought a number of houses down, trapping people inside. Panama lowered its alert to yellow on Wednesday as Otto moved north. Classes were canceled but will be restored on Thursday, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela announced. It was also confirmed that at least three deaths in Panama included a couple killed in a slide in Arraijan and an eight-year-old boy killed by a fallen tree in the region of Ancon. Nicaragua and Costa Rica are also bracing for the impact of Hurricane Otto, which is set to make landfall on Thursday. The authorities of Nicaragua's national disaster prevention system, SINAPRED, decreed a red alert across the country on Wednesday, with Otto expected to hit the towns of Pearl Lagoon and Kukra Hill in South Carribean Coast Autonomous Region early Thursday. In Costa Rica, officials expect Otto to lash near its border with Nicaragua. On Tuesday evening, President Luis Guillermo Solis gave a press conference, calling the hurricane "highly dangerous." The countries of Central America have not been hit by hurricanes in such southern areas, which meant they have less preparation and resource than other more hurricane-prone countries. (Reuters)

Hurricane Otto: At least 3 killed, 5 missing in Panama

Colombia became the first side to book a spot in the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals after beating Paraguay in Pasadena yesterday. The United States kept their hopes of advancing alive by thrashing Costa Rica 4-0. 
 
Colombia&#39;s 2-1 win put them top of Group A on six points, with the United States on three and the other two teams on one point each. 
 
After losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia, the United States were in clinical form against the Costa Ricans in Chicago and scored three times in the first half through Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood. 
 
Substitute Graham Zusi added a fourth in the 86th minute to cap the win and improve the hosts&#39; goal difference. 
 
&quot;It was important for us to get off to an early start,&quot; said Dempsey. &quot;Once the second went in and the third we got into a bit of a rhythm.&quot; 
 
Dempsey got the first, his 50th international goal, from the penalty spot after Cristian Gamboa was adjudged to have pushed Wood in the box with six minutes gone. 
 
Dempsey was involved in the Americans&#39; second after 36 minutes when his run at the Costa Rica defence saw the ball fall to Jones, who struck a low shot from the edge of the box past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton. 
 
The third goal came five minutes later and once again it was Dempsey who set it up. Wood won the ball in midfield and played a one-two with Dempsey before turning to strike home a low drive from 15 yards out. 
 
Costa Rica, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014, improved in the second half with captain Bryan Ruiz playing a more influential role, but they were ineffective in the last third of the field. 
 
Ruiz hit the post with a header midway through the second half but Costa Rica lost a fourth goal in the dying moments when Zusi stole the ball in midfield and strode forward before slotting the ball home from 15 yards. 
 
In the second Group A game, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Colombia took a 2-0 lead in the first half but were pushed hard in the second. 
 
Carlos Bacca scored the opener in the 12th minute with a header before James Rodriguez doubled Colombia&#39;s lead with a left-foot strike on the half-hour mark. 
 
Paraguay gradually played their way back into the match and hit the woodwork before half-time before forcing David Ospina into a world-class save in the 62nd minute. Colombia&#39;s goalkeeper dived full stretch to turn a header around the post. 
 
Paraguay continued to dominate the second half and were rewarded when midfielder Victor Ayala scored with a stunning 30-yard rocket in the 71st minute. 
 
However, they could not force an equaliser and Colombia hung on to take all three points and claim a berth in the next round. Paraguay must now beat the United States on Saturday to have any chance of advancing to the quarters.

United States player Clint Dempsey scored his 50th international goal in this match apart from assisting two other goals

Colombia became the first side to book a spot in the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals after beating Paraguay in Pasadena yesterday. The United States kept their hopes of advancing alive by thrashing Costa Rica 4-0. Colombia's 2-1 win put them top of Group A on six points, with the United States on three and the other two teams on one point each. After losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia, the United States were in clinical form against the Costa Ricans in Chicago and scored three times in the first half through Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood. Substitute Graham Zusi added a fourth in the 86th minute to cap the win and improve the hosts' goal difference. "It was important for us to get off to an early start," said Dempsey. "Once the second went in and the third we got into a bit of a rhythm." Dempsey got the first, his 50th international goal, from the penalty spot after Cristian Gamboa was adjudged to have pushed Wood in the box with six minutes gone. Dempsey was involved in the Americans' second after 36 minutes when his run at the Costa Rica defence saw the ball fall to Jones, who struck a low shot from the edge of the box past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton. The third goal came five minutes later and once again it was Dempsey who set it up. Wood won the ball in midfield and played a one-two with Dempsey before turning to strike home a low drive from 15 yards out. Costa Rica, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014, improved in the second half with captain Bryan Ruiz playing a more influential role, but they were ineffective in the last third of the field. Ruiz hit the post with a header midway through the second half but Costa Rica lost a fourth goal in the dying moments when Zusi stole the ball in midfield and strode forward before slotting the ball home from 15 yards. In the second Group A game, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Colombia took a 2-0 lead in the first half but were pushed hard in the second. Carlos Bacca scored the opener in the 12th minute with a header before James Rodriguez doubled Colombia's lead with a left-foot strike on the half-hour mark. Paraguay gradually played their way back into the match and hit the woodwork before half-time before forcing David Ospina into a world-class save in the 62nd minute. Colombia's goalkeeper dived full stretch to turn a header around the post. Paraguay continued to dominate the second half and were rewarded when midfielder Victor Ayala scored with a stunning 30-yard rocket in the 71st minute. However, they could not force an equaliser and Colombia hung on to take all three points and claim a berth in the next round. Paraguay must now beat the United States on Saturday to have any chance of advancing to the quarters.

US hammer Costa Rica, Colombia advance at Copa America

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