Ever since the US national team touched down in Costa Rica, locals, soccer fans, players, officials, mascots and even taxi drivers have been conspiring against Jurgen Klinsmann’s side.
Following the USA’s controversial 1-0 World Cup qualifying win in snowy Denver in March, the Ticos have been incredibly angry with US Soccer about the game being able to go ahead. Despite poor playing conditions and Costa Rica wanting the game to be abandoned, the CONCACAF official waved play on and Clint Dempsey’s lone goal stood up as the US secured a crucial win.
(MORE: Who will start for US national team vs. Costa Rica?)
However, it seems as though Costa Rica is bearing a grudge against the US. Big time. Just take a look below at these various reports from multiple US outlets down in Central America.
On arrival the USMNT were made to walk through the airport and a group of angry Costa Rica fans who hurled eggs at the team bus. They Nats were also rejected a practice field by three different facilities and were forced to find one on their own... at a dairy farm out in the sticks.
Plus there were no balls provided for the team practices and plenty other unpleasant acts have been going on since the US arrived.
(MORE: Relive the controversy as US beat Costa Rica 1-0 in snowy Denver)
Safe to say the crowd will be incredibly anti-American at the Estadio Nacional on Friday... but then again, what did you expect as Klinsmann’s all conquering Yanks roll into town? A nice warm handshake and a cordial ‘all the best, guys’ as the Hexagonal leaders aim to grab a win that could seal qualification...
Back to reality, the evidence is stacking up, as Costa Rican taxi drivers are apparently planning to blockade the USMNT’s route to the stadium in act of retaliation against the “SnowClasico” result back in March.
Several US journalist down in Central America are tweeting and keeping US soccer fans up to date as the rivalry between the two nations reaches fever pitch. Enjoy the game tonight from 10pm ET on BeIN Sport.
Here’s all of the video evidence so far...
Jurgen Klinsmann stays calm despite having a dancing cow behind him, with an air horn....
Omar Gonzalez gets the same treatment ...
Keith Olbermann breaks everything down so far...
And finally, KICK TV shows you a behind the scenes look at what the US are up against in Costa Rica...