Milutinovic - Costa Rica are favourites (Allsport)
MILUTINOVIC PLANS MORE UPSETS
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China coach Bora Milutinovic has installed Costa
Rica as firm favourites to claim the spoils in their opening Group C clash in
Gwangju on Tuesday.
However the vastly-experienced Serb, who is coaching at his fifth World Cup,
is hopeful his side can cause an upset on their finals debut.
"That's why football is a wonderful sport. Because it's not a science, and
you can always give a surprise," the 57-year-old said.
Milutinovic certainly knows what it takes to make an unfancied side prosper at
this level.
He coached Costa Rica in their World Cup debut in 1990 when they recorded
surprise wins over Scotland and Sweden to finish as group runners-up to
powerhouses Brazil.
He has also led the United States, Nigeria and Mexico beyond the first round
in the World Cup finals.
And he intends to impart the secret of that success on his current team, who
certainly have their work cut out to progress from a group that also includes
Brazil and Turkey.
"It's important for them to control their emotions, so they can enjoy the
game. They have to go on to the pitch in peace," said Milutinovic.
Tomorrow Milutinovic will come face-to-face with current Costa Rica boss
Alexander Guimaraes, who was a player under him in 1990, and the China supremo
admits it is going to be difficult putting one over his old charge.
"He's a very talented man who has built a good team," Milutinovic said.
"I'm worried not only about (Paolo) Wanchope, but about many other players
who can cause us trouble."
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