Costa Rica might be playing well enough at the World Cup to keep two of the Crew's key players for an extended period. But given the circumstances, the Crew's coaching staff is not complaining.

Costa Rica might be playing well enough at the World Cup to keep two of the Crew�s key players for an extended period.

But given the circumstances, the Crew�s coaching staff is not complaining.

After a surprising 3-1 victory over Uruguay to open play in Group D, Costa Rica will face Italy today with a chance to solidify its chances of advancing past the group stage of the World Cup. Should Costa Rica reach the next round, it means Crew defenders Giancarlo Gonzalez and Waylon Francis will remain in Brazil until at least June 28 or 29.

That�s just fine with their Crew teammates and coaches, who will return to Major League Soccer action on June 28 against FC Dallas.

�(Gonzalez) is representing his country, but he�s representing us now, and that�s a fantastic thing,� said Crew assistant coach Josh Wolff, who played in two World Cups for the United States. � We�re proud of him and Francis. They�re in a very difficult group, so they�re playing against the best teams in the world and best players in the world.

�That reflects on us and the environment that we create here and certainly for Major League Soccer, as well. (Gonzalez has) tons of support in this locker room.�

After a 0-0 tie at D.C. United on June 7, the Crew�s players were given six days off before returning to the practice field on Saturday, the morning of Costa Rica�s opening game. Coach Gregg Berhalter said it was a rusty day of practice, and when the session ran over, players were rushing inside to watch the game.

Gonzalez played the entire game on Costa Rica�s five-man back line after featuring in all 10 qualifying games. He was credited with two shots and came up just short on a header in the 43rd minute.

On a conference call from Brazil, ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman said Costa Rica is one of the top two surprises of the tournament for the way it allowed the game�s first goal on a penalty kick but recovered for the comeback victory.

�Giancarlo has been very good,� he said. �I think he�s been a great addition to the Columbus Crew, but when you talk about that opening game, you have to marvel at how (Costa Rica) broke (out) and they broke in transition very well. Giancarlo and the back four did very well. (They�re) a surprise of this tournament, and I think they�ll have something to say about getting out of the group.�

Francis did not play against Uruguay. As one of the final players to make the World Cup roster, he is viewed as a long shot to play.

�Those guys go in with the preparation that they will play,� Wolff said. �You have to have that thought that you might be called upon. You�ve been selected because you have qualities that the coach and staff felt were reflective of being able to help the team.�

ajardy@dispatch.com

@AdamJardy