Costa Rica believe history is on their side

Costa Rica manager Alexandre Guimaraes insists his team can join Senegal and Cameroon among the great World Cup giant-killers.

A goal from Pape Bouba Diop inspired Senegal to a famous victory against then-reigning champions France in the opening game of the last World Cup. And Cameroon beat Argentina in the first match of the 1990 tournament in Italy.

Guimaraes is hoping the memory of such legendary feats will help his Costa Rican minnows to slay hosts Germany in tomorrow's opening match here.

Guimaraes said: "I don't know if we are going to perform like Senegal did but this kind of result, like Senegal and Cameroon against Argentina, is extra motivation for the team.

"Anything can happen. We have good players and they know how to perform in these kind of games."

They have the added bonus of not having to face star midfielder Michael Ballack who has been ruled out with a calf injury.

Guimaraes, however, shrugged off Ballack's absence after watching his side train in Munich's futuristic World Cup stadium.

"We are not just playing against one football player," said Guimaraes. "We have prepared to play against all the squad. We know they are very strong at set-pieces and we have been practising not to commit too many fouls. Our organisation in defence will have to be very alert in dealing with crosses."

Costa Rica's star player and record goalscorer is Paulo Wanchope, who played for Derby, West Ham and Manchester City, famously scoring a hat-trick for the latter on his debut. He has since had a spell with Malaga before returning to his homeland.

But while Costa Rica can score goals they have proved to be vulnerable in defence in recent months, and bookies have Germany as 1-4 favourites. Guimaraes, however, is confident, saying: "My team knows how to perform when the real time is here.

"We have not played very well in our preparation but that's not just Costa Rica. In the official games we always perform very well and tomorrow is the perfect time to start performing."