Costa Rica Faces Jersey Issues Ahead of 2014 World Cup
Just days before the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Costa Rican national team is facing a surprising setback—not with tactics or injuries, but with their official jerseys. Players have raised concerns about the Lotto-manufactured kits being too tight and poor at absorbing sweat, which could present serious discomfort in Brazil’s expected heat and humidity.
According to Sportune.fr, the issue became evident after Costa Rica’s friendly against Japan, where several players complained about the jerseys’ fit and performance. Some described the shirts as “too snug,” limiting their movement and failing to manage sweat effectively—an important factor in conditions where temperatures will range between 25°C and 30°C.
Interestingly, no complaints were made after the previous friendly against Paraguay, but as one official from the Costa Rican Federation put it:
“We discussed it, but changing it seems complicated. We’ll have to deal with it.”
With little time left before their World Cup opener, Costa Rica may be forced to stick with the flawed kits, potentially affecting player performance in the group stage, where they will face heavyweights like Uruguay, Italy, and England.
This unexpected hiccup could be a distraction, but for a team already seen as an underdog, it adds another challenge to what is already a difficult group.
