WORLD CUP ’90 : They Dance in Streets After Upset

Thousands of Costa Ricans took to the streets of the capital Monday to celebrate their country’s surprising 1-0 victory over Scotland in its first ever World Cup soccer appearance.

A cacophony of cheers and blaring car horns sounded across San Jose as conga-dancing fans paraded through the streets and jammed into a downtown plaza to celebrate the Central American country’s debut in the 24-nation world soccer championship.

The victory by Costa Rica, which had been given little chance of making it into the second round, appeared to stun even some of its most loyal fans.

“This is extraordinary,” said a euphoric President Rafael Angel Calderon, who watched the match at a San Jose movie theater. “This is driving us crazy with satisfaction.”

The president, hoarse from shouting during the match, had given all government employees and Costa Rican students two hours off to watch it.