For Germany’s group opponents Costa Rica, the preparation for the World Cup is anything but according to plan.
The Central American team had to cancel their World Cup dress rehearsal against Iraq, which was scheduled for Thursday, because of problems entering Iraq by bus from Kuwait.
“The agreement not to stamp passports was not kept. That’s why we decided not to enter Iraq and to cancel the game,” said association spokeswoman Gina Escobar. The game should have taken place in the southern Iraqi town of Basra.
Costa Rica had prepared for the World Cup in Kuwait, and the team will fly to Qatar on Friday. Spain are the first opponents there on Wednesday, followed by Group E against Japan (November 27) and Germany (December 1).