The Costa Rican government will give officials a few hours off next June 14 so they can watch the playoff match against New Zealand for the final ticket to the Qatar-2022 World Cup.
“Public sector employees can take extra hours during their lunch break so they can watch the qualifying round game,” the Costa Rican Presidency said in a statement.
“This is a very special day for all those who love our expedition over 13,000 kilometers. Eleven players will be on the field to complete a historic assortment,” said Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chavez.
The game will take place in Costa Rica at 9.00pm local time and 12.00pm.
The playoffs have sparked great anticipation in Central America, with hundreds of people on Monday taking to the streets with Costa Rican flags and the national team jersey to say goodbye to the bus carrying players to the airport.
Costa Rica, who have played in 5 World Cups, are desperate to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
“We know this sport is very important not only for the national team, but for the whole country looking for happiness,” said Qatar midfielder Johann Venicas.
Peru has ordered a nationwide holiday for the playoffs against Australia
Meanwhile, the government announced on Friday that Peru had ordered Monday to be a holiday for Peruvians to watch their football team’s playoff game against Australia to take part in the Qatar – 2022 World Cup.
“Monday has been declared a public holiday for the public sector. This will allow people to watch the football team qualify for the World Cup. Culture Minister Alejandro Salas told reporters.
In each case, the private sector has decided to join the holiday, but it is estimated that most companies will.
“This is an event of nationalism and national identity that the private sector can use as an option.” Salas said after the cabinet meeting that the move was approved.
Peru and Australia will play on Monday at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha, and the winning team will join Group D of the World Cup.France, Denmark and Tunisia are waiting there.
“We know Peru’s qualification for the World Cup will reactivate the economy,” the minister added, adding that security measures would be taken for possible fan celebrations if the Peruvian team qualifies.
After 36 years of qualifying for the Russia-2018 tournament, the big dream is to go on to a second consecutive World Cup.
With information from AFP
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