Lopez says ‘they hate us’

Midfielder Jose Luis Lopez is under no illusions about what awaits Costa Rica in next week’s soccer World Cup qualifier against El Salvador.

“We are going to face very tough conditions over there, because I heard there have been a lot of threats from the people from Salvador,” Lopez said.

“They hate us and, yeah, I think FIFA, it’s going to be watching because it’s going to be very dangerous.

“It’s a cultural thing.”

The Melbourne Victory import will miss next week’s A-League home game against Central Coast because of the November 19 regional qualifier.

Costa Rica and El Salvador are already guaranteed of making the six-nation final round of qualifying for the North, Central American and Caribbean region ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

But 30,000 fans will pack the stadium at San Salvador to give Lopez and his team-mates a heated reception.

Lopez does not fear for his safety and is even looking forward to the challenge.

“We are very safe, we are going to have security and stuff,” he said.

“It’s good to play in that atmosphere, because you are going to have so much pressure.

“That’s where the good player comes up.”

Lopez also played for Costa Rica last month and had a punishing travel schedule.

He said it was a challenge to recover quickly from the flights and different time zones.

Lopez added he had to adapt to the difference in game styles between the A-League and the Costa Rican national team.

“It’s very tough, because you change your time zone and there are 16-17 hours you have to adjust in one or two days,” he said.

“But if you eat, rest and sleep very well, you can do it.

“You have to change your mindset - we say we have to change our DVD inside our brain, because you’re used to playing in a way.

“Two days after, you have to change it.”

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