Madrid 2018: 5 things to know about Costa Rica

In just under two months’ time, the 2018 IBSA Blind Football World Championships will kick-off in Madrid, Spain.

Costa Rica were the first Central American country to qualify and are ranked 42nd in the IBSA Blind Football world rankings.

Here are four facts you should know about 'Los Volcanes' (the Volcanoes).

• Costa Rica formed in 2012, and their first official international competition was at the 2017 IBSA Blind Football Central American Championships. This happened with the help of the IBSA Blind Football Central American development project.

• Costa Rica faced few obstacles in qualifying for Madrid 2018. They went undefeated in the group stages of the Central American Championships, scoring a total of 19 goals.

• Costa Rica went on to defeat host nation Guatemala 3-2 on penalties in the final of the tournament to win the first title.

• Watch out for Costa Rica forward Esteban Chávez, who picked up Player of the Tournament. His nine goals also won him the Top Goal Scorer award. Additionally, his performance landed him the International Paralympic Committee’s Americas ‘Athlete of the Month’ in November 2017.

The 2018 International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Blind Football World Championships will be held in Madrid, Spain, from 7-17 June, and will feature 16 of the world’s best teams. As well as the title on offer, the competition is also an important step on the road to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

The official draw for the World Championships will take place on Monday (23 April) in Madrid.