Tokyo, Japan, October 30, 2006: Watching the Costa Ricans train at Yoyogi Gymnasium on Monday morning, anyone would think they didn't have a care in the world.
But that would not be strictly correct.
"Yes, we are relaxed and looking forward to playing in our first World Championships, but this does not mean we are going to go out there just to be beaten," says 27-year-old ace Verania Willis.
"The team is growing and we have a lot of young girls in there, but we are thinking it is a new experience to come here and play against big teams.
"There is not the same kind of pressure on us as there is on the big teams, so we will enjoy it and do the best we can. We love volleyball and we are very thankful to be here."
Willis, the younger sister of 29-year-old teammate Angela Willis, thinks the 2006 FIVB World Championships in Japan could be a turning point for Costa Rica, who are ranked 33rd in the world -- the lowest of all 24 teams taking part.
"In the team there is a lot of girls with talent who could play professionally, so maybe some people from other countries will see them in this World Championships," she says.
"We would like to have the preparation that other teams do, but we are limited with money and many other technical things that would help us develop and grow -- and we don't have many sponsors to help us."
There was no doubting the Costa Rican spirit as their practice came to an end. They gathered at the net and sang a song together before letting out a proud cry of "Costa Rica" which echoed around the famous old gym.
On Tuesday it will be a very different atmosphere, as they will take on Korea in the first of 208 matches in the World Championships for women and men between October 31 and December 3. The Pool A game will start at noon, two hours before the other three groups due to the Opening Ceremony at Yoyogi at 4pm, and this will put the team in the world spotlight.
"It's our first World Championships and we are the first ones playing as well," says Verania. "It is going to make history!"
