World Cup Player Profile: Roy Miller

In March 2010, Roy Miller intentionally encroached on an opponent's Penalty Kick when the New York Red Bulls were playing the San Jose Earthquakes, thinking that if the opponent converted, it would force a re-kick. It came back to bite him as Chris Wondolowski was denied by Luis Robles, and subsequently put away his second try. He then become the most hated player on the 2013 Red Bulls. Mike Petke sent him away from the team early to train with Costa Rica for World Cup Qualifying. Since then, Miller has gotten better.

Service for Costa Rica: Miller first appeared for Costa Rica in 2001 for the U-17 side in the World Championships. He made his first appearance for the senior team in 2005 as a substitute against Ecuador. He helped the team qualify for the 2006 World Cup, but was left off of the final roster. Since then he's been a consistent player for the Ticos, appearing 47 times total over close to ten years. He's played in the 2005 & 2013 Gold Cups, 2011 Copa Centroamericana, and qualification stages of the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups. He was on the field for the Tico's 1-0 defeat to the United States in the "Snow Game" in March 2013. He followed that game up with his first ever international goal in a 1-0 win over El Salvador on the Tico's way of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.

What makes him interesting: Roy Miller is what might be called an "attacking defender" if that were possible. He has decent speed (not great), and can get into the attack really well. This year he has been a standout player in a so far dull year for the Red Bulls. His ability to perform well, whether with Eric Alexander or Jonny Steele is currently being missed while Miller is with the Ticos. While his defense has been a little suspect in the last few years, Miller seems to have picked it up a notch so far this year. He can shut attackers down and get back and cover his space when he's involved in the attack.

What to expect in Brazil: Miller will probably have some good showing at the World Cup, but Costa Rica will probably be eliminated in the group stage. The Ticos' opponents rank 7th (Uruguay), 9th (Italy), and 10th (England) in the latest FIFA rankings. Group D is actually the hardest group by rankings this year, and might take the "Group of Death" title from Group G seeing as it has three top 10 teams. Costa Rica's group stage is the 2nd toughest in the tournament, behind Ghana. The Ticos will probably go 0-0-3, but getting a win would be a nice feather in their cap.

Group Stage Games:

• Uruguay - 14 June - 20:00 GMT, 3:00 pm Eastern
  
• Italy - 20 June - 15:00 GMT, 12:00 pm Eastern
  
• England - 24 June - 15:00 GMT, 12:00 pm Eastern