Costa Rica's victories over Mexico have been few, but many of them have had a big impact, either because of the setting or the moment the Tricolor was going through.

Of course, the most remembered one was the one from 2001, the famous 'Aztecazo'. The Costa Ricans defeated the Tricolor 1-2 in a qualifying match. On that day, Jose Manuel Abundis filled the stands of the Coloso de Santa Ursula with joy just in the 7th minute. The remaining minutes weaved an atypical ending. Rolando Fonseca in the 72nd minute and Hernan Medford in the 86th minute overshadowed the celebration.

Because of episodes like that, Alfredo Talavera is cautious. He doesn't dare to say that Mexico is the rival to beat in the Concacaf, because history has taught him other lessons.

"We respect all teams. If there is a way to disrespect the opponent, it is by defeating them on the field, and that is what I mean, that there is no easy rival," he said.

And he not only refers to the losses that the Tricolor has had against Costa Rica, but also to the great performance it had in the 2014 World Cup, where it registered enviable numbers and reached the quarterfinals (it was eliminated by the Netherlands in penalties).

"All the teams have had important football growth, and the truth is that I am not surprised by Costa Rica. It has always been a team, since I have faced them, they have been very good matches. Even in the last World Cup, all the teams on this side did a good job, and everyone was surprised by that," Tala said.

Of course, there are other players like Nestor Araujo who, despite his youth, knows what it meant to lose in 2001. He watched it on television, but still felt hurt by the outcome of that day.

"I suffered it like every Mexican, I think the least we can do is fight. Those who were there and went through that stage can give you advice, add up, say things so that the team doesn't go through what it went through in the previous qualification," Araujo mentioned.

The center-back is one of the important pieces in Juan Carlos Osorio's scheme. Without a doubt, he will be in one of the two teams that will compete in the middle of the year, either in the Confederations Cup or the Gold Cup. For now, he knows well that they must think about the immediate match, about giving all the importance to that match against the Costa Ricans.

"We have to get results and achieving victories will depend on oneself, starting from everyone's commitment, attitude, and confidence, positive results can be achieved."

Attend the Mexico vs Costa Rica match