The first six months of 2009 couldn't have gone much better for La Sele, the Costa Rican national soccer team. They are currently in first place in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying group, winning four of five matches, and are riding a four game winning streak.

The Ticos hope to continue their strong play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which begins Friday in the U.S. and concludes July 26. Costa Rica opens tournament play against El Salvador.

The Gold Cup is divided into three, four-team groups. Costa Rica will play in Group A, along with Canada, Jamaica and El Salvador. The top two teams from each of the three groups advance to the quarterfinals. The last two quarterfinal spots are determined by the top two point receiving third place teams. Costa Rica has won the Gold Cup on three occasions, most recently in 1989.