Several Raxa Collective contributors in India were up until 4am today at Cardamom County, watching Costa Rica play against Greece in the World Cup. They were simul-texting with a Raxa Collective contributor in Costa Rica, who reported watching in a friend’s home near Xandari while the streets outside were empty and silent, erupting echoes of cheer or anguish in the distance from time to time. The google doodle at this moment could be representing Costa Rica’s red white and blue, its tropical sense of fun, or it could be a representation of any country having a chance at the beautiful game.

A bit difficult for some to watch, particularly if you have Greek heritage and also have lived in Costa Rica for an extended part of your life. But watch they did, until the last minute of regular time, then the last minute of over time, and finally to the last penalty kick.

We have rarely had reason to discuss sports on this blog site, but now seems a good time for a brief reflection, mainly because we have several dozen employees of a Raxa Collective property in Costa Rica bursting with enthusiasm. Thanks to John Cassidy, normally an economics reporter, for his summary of this second match of the day, starting with what preceded it, to put this reference to sport in perspective:

…Exit Mexico, in the most heartbreaking fashion. On the field, several of its players wept openly.

That left the matchup between another mighty minnow, Costa Rica, and Greece, a well-organized team that is always tough to beat. Costa Rica, which advanced from the group stage by beating Italy and Uruguay, and tying with England, took the lead early in the second half and looked like it would hold on despite going down to ten men after one of its players was sent off for a second bad foul. Once again, though, a tense finish was in store for the fans of the Latin American team. In time added on for injuries and stoppages, Greece equalized.

Come overtime, it looked like Greece would prevail, but it couldn’t quite score a goal. The result was another penalty shootout, and two more groups of players clutching each other in the center circle as they watched five of their colleagues in turn make the lonely walk up to the penalty area to take a shot. On this occasion, the first seven spot kicks went in, an excellent strike rate. Then Theofanis Gekas, of Greece, missed; Michael Umaña, of Costa Rica, scored; and it was over. Costa Rica, for the first time in its history, had reached the quarterfinals.

After all that, we’ve still got two more days of the round of sixteen to go. On Monday, France takes on Nigeria, and Germany plays Algeria. Then, on Tuesday, it’s Argentina versus Switzerland followed by the United States against Belgium.

By the time Team U.S.A. takes the field at 4 P.M. EST, in the city of Salvador, there will be just one place left in the last eight. Can the United States snatch it? Judging by its play during the group stage, it’s got a fighting chance. But all that’s guaranteed is more tension, more drama, and more heartbreak.