COSTA RICA SPORTS NEWS – Celso Borges is confident that he can surpass his father in the history books. Having emerged unbeaten at the top of a group containing three former World Cup champions, Uruguay, Italy and England, the Ticos are confident against Greece and of their advancing to the quarter-finals.
In 1990, Alexandre Borges, Celso’s father, and his fellow players secured iconic status in the country with their achievements. But with the quarter-finals potentially in their grasp, Celso insists that the Ticos of 2014 will continue to surprise.
At the age of 18, Celso Borges Mora, born 27 May 1988 in San José, made his professional debut for Saprissa on 15 January 2006. He won five national championships with Saprissa.
“We came here to enjoy ourselves, treating everything seriously and professionally, but also playing with smiles on our faces,” Borges said. “Now we have another challenge, but also another chance to give great memories to the people back home and write a new page in our history. My father and I meet up every night and talk a lot together. He is as excited as I am about how things have going and he’s told me to enjoy and make the most of every minute.
“He said this is a moment and a stage in your football life you might never get back again, and that kind of advice I listen to and respect a lot. I’m very proud that I’m now part of my country’s football history, just like my dad.”
Without a question the Ticos have done so far what most outside – and even some inside – of Costa Rica didn’t expect, even qualify.
After their stunning victory over Uruguay, the Ticos pushed hard, surprising the world even more by beating the Italians. A tie with England, combined with Italy’s two losses, locked in the group first place.
Now, tomorrow, they are looking to surprise even more!
