Review on Costa Rica's World Cup fairytale | inside World Soccer

Review on Costa Rica's World Cup fairytale

Friday, July 11, 2014

Costa Rica have been a World Cup revelation, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time whilst they were never beaten in open play and conceded just two goals in the tournament.

Known for some great Costa Rica attractions, the Central American nation were faced with the daunting prospect of facing three former World Cup champions in the shape of Uruguay, Italy, and England.

Nobody gave Costa Rica much of a chance at Brazil 2014 and this was reflected in the crazy 500/1 odds that some brave bookmakers placed on Los Ticos to just get out of their group while they were 1000/1 to lift the World Cup trophy.

However, the Costa Ricans proved everyone wrong and cruised into the knockout stages whilst also playing an impressive style of football.

Jorge Luis Pinto's side battled past Uruguay, Italy, and England to top Group D with seven points to reach the quarter-finals.

A round of 16 win over Greece on penalties ensured Costa Rica of their best ever World Cup finish as they reached the last eight for the first time.

The Costa Rican side had gone where no Costa Ricans had gone before. History was made.

They were eventually dumped out the competition after losing in a shoot-out against the Netherlands and their excellent tactical ploy involving Tim Krul.

The Costa Ricans were eliminated from the World Cup but they were seen as winners in many people's eyes.

To go from odds of 500/1 to qualify from their group, to be within a whisker of a World Cup semi-final was an outstanding achievement.

After touching down in San José, the capital city, the team were involved in an amazing street party in which thousands of fans turned out to cheer on the players.

"We are not a world football power but we have done very important things here," said Pinto.

"We go home proud of what we have done and I want to express my gratitude to the Brazilian people."

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