Costa Rica accept Copa America invitation

Costa Rica will play in the Copa America in July, taking the guest spot vacated by Japan after difficulties freeing up European-based players.

The Central American nation took up the invitation from CONMEBOL (the South American football confederation) to join the tournament after Japan – for the second time – turned down their chance to compete in the Argentina-hosted event in July.

Already hamstrung by the unavailability of domestic-based players after the J-League season was affected by the earthquake and tsunami strike in March, the Japan Football Association cited difficulty in obtaining releases for players during European club pre-seasons – notably those based in Germany – for their failure to take their place in the South American competition.

Costa Rica have announced their intentions to bring a squad dominated by under-23 players, with five senior players to lead the side at the tournament.

Managed by Ricardo La Volpe, Costa Rica will be making their fourth appearance at the event, after playing in the 1997, 2001 and 2004 tournaments.

They will use June’s Gold Cup – a tournament including North American, Central American and Caribbean football associations – as a lead-in to the Copa America.