Lessons from the World Cup...

The on-going World Cup in Brazil is full of thrills and magic.

In the 84-year history of the World Cup, only eight countries have won the tournament.

Costa Rica, a nation of less than five million people, in placed in Group D with three of the past champions – Italy, England and Uruguay. But Costa Rica has now qualified for the next stage ahead of all of them.

What lessons can be learnt from their outstanding feat?

“Their commitment and teamwork is something we can probably learn,” says Bernama's Centre of Excellence senior manager Syed Khedher Ismail.”

“But in terms of strategy and vision, I would rather pick Germany or ‘Go Dutch’,” he said.

General Manager Datuk Yong Soo Heong says: “All very simple.”

“If everyone of us raise our performance by 5 notches, the organisation’s capability goes up by at least 5 notches.

“Everyone must paddle the canoe. Or perahu. We know the answers already. But the question is, are we doing it esrnestly? If we are, syabas!”

Costa Rica entered the tournament as an expected underdog but scored a surprise win over Uruguay in its opening match.This was followed with another World Cup stunner on Friday, beating four-time champion Italy 1-0 to secure a spot in the next round and eliminate England in the process.

"Maybe there are a lot of people who didn't have faith in us because we were in the 'Group of Death,' said Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz, who scored the key goal.

"But the other guys are the ones who are dead and we're going to the next round." he was quoted as saying.

Costa Rica fine run in the world's arguably greatest tournament has helped attract international attention to the country.

Costa Ricans refer to themselves as Ticos (males) and Ticas (females). Foreigners are often referred to as Gringos (males) and Gringas (females). The locals are said to be positive, friendly, and full of life. 

Narrow and located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in the tropics means that the rain is abundant - and so are the rainforests.
Located between Nicaragua and Panama, it has nearly 300 different beaches along 1,300 kilometres of coastline.