Costa Rica national anthem: The Himno Nacional translated into English

THE World Cup is well underway and many players with the land’s biggest sporting countries battling it out for the popular prize.

Among those competing for World Cup glory are Central American side Costa Rica.

Reuters

Costa Rica got humiliated by Spain[/caption]

Fans will have fond memories of 2014, when they beat Uruguay and Italy to top their group.

But it has not gone according to plan so far having suffered an embarrassing 7-0 defeat to Spain in their opening match.

However, a good harmonised national anthem before kick-off could lift the spirits and change all of their fortunes.

What are the lyrics to the Costa Rica national anthem?

The Himno Nacional de Costa Rica was written by José María Zeledón Brenes, and made official in 1949.

However, the music has been in place since 1852.

The anthem reflects the country’s peaceful attitudes, and decision not to deploy an army.

Here’s how it goes:

Verse 1

Citizens, the sun of the free
has risen radiantly to the zenith;
its splendour gives us the breath
to win for the Fatherland or die.

Verse 2

Costa Rica broke the chains
that bound her to foreign power;
she let loose her own flag to the wind
and founded the empire of law.

Verse 3

Liberty proclaimed enthusiastically,
Liberty in order and good;
she girded the garland of progress
on her virgin and innocent temple!

Chorus

The ambition of a suspicious foreigner
tried to submit her to the yoke,
outraged, the peoples rose up,
and they cried: “Back off, invader!”

And Walker’s enraged troops
listened, tempering their voices,
for over them, the heroic battles,
Costa Rica nailed her banner.

Verse 4

For long years thereupon heaven
wanted to give us happiness and peace
and in its benign shadow, progress
founded national wealth.

Verse 5

Constant and active work
gave the people, generous, bread
and Guardia was, the circumscribed duty,
Of the right of the people, the guardian.

Chorus

The greed of jealous brothers
agitated in constant restlessness:
let us not consciously live
in peace, progress and light;

And they challenge us to a fratricidal fight
preparing the traitorous arquebus;
Come, then, so that injustice never