Costa Rica close to clinching La Volpe

San Jose: Costa Rica reached a preliminary deal with former Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe to head the country`s national soccer team, the Costa Rican soccer federation said on Wednesday.

"We have a preliminary agreement," federation chief Eduardo Li said at a joint news conference with La Volpe.La Volpe, an Argentine who steered Mexico into the second round of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, said the two sides only need hammer out some "minor details" before signing a contract.The chain-smoking, mustachioed Argentine had previously coached Boca Juniors in his home country, as well as several Mexican clubs including America and Monterrey. Bureau Report