Costa Rica 2014
Costa Rica at Brazil 2014 produced one of the most remarkable underdog stories in World Cup history. Drawn in the Group of Death alongside Uruguay, Italy, and England, the Ticos were written off by everyone. They proceeded to top the group, beating Uruguay 3-1 and Italy 1-0, and drawing with England. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas was magnificent throughout, and Joel Campbell's pace terrorised defences. In the round of 16, they beat Greece on penalties to reach the quarter-final the furthest a Central American team had ever gone. Only Netherlands stopped them, winning a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw in which Navas was heroic. Costa Rica returned home to a heroes' welcome, having proved that courage, organisation, and belief can humble giants.