And he believed the lush playing surface would help his players produce their best in tomorrow's crucial first leg qualifying match against Bermuda.

Edwardo Echeveria, who takes the dual role of team organiser and team lawyer, said he was astonished by top condition of the pitch when he visited the stadium yesterday.

While the coach and players trained at another venue yesterday, Echeveria scouted the Stadium and noted the field was better than anything that existed in his country.

"It is one of the best surfaces I have ever seen. It looks real good, beautiful. It reminds me of a pool table,'' he said.

"Our coach Juan Blanco has not seen the field yet but you Bermudians have something spectacular here. This is the kind of pitch that will make the team perform a lot better.'' Costa Rica have worked out regularly during the mornings since arriving on Tuesday and have followed these sessions with more serious work-outs at Warwick Academy later in the day.

"The players are very happy and they enjoy training at the various fields around the Island,'' added Echeveria. "Everybody is really looking forward to Saturday.'' Bermuda's Under-23s, meanwhile, have also put in a full week of preparation under national coach Mark Trott who is being assisted by Somerset's coach Josef Gooden.

Steps were being taken yesterday to arrange for the Bermuda team to stay at a hotel this evening and remain together throughout tomorrow before the 8.30 p.m. kick-off.

Meanwhile, tickets for the match, at $10 each, will not be available before the game, the BFA pointing out that they will only be able to be purchased at the gate.

FIFA have appointed an American, Brian Hall, to referee the game and he'll be assisted by fellow countrymen Paul Timberino (linesman), Edwin Resendes (linesman) and Arturo Angeles (fourth official).

Following tomorrow's first leg the two teams will head to Costa Rica for the return leg on Sunday, August 6.