Costa Rica became one of the surprises at the 2014 World Cup. Unexpectedly, the team that represented CONCACAF managed to qualify for the quarter-finals of the championship which was held in Brazil.
Costa Rica managed to frustrate the Greek spartan resistance through a 5-3 penalty shootout in the 2014 World Cup. Bryan Ruiz and colleagues also made history by successfully advancing to the quarter-finals and other European representatives, the Netherlands, had been waiting for them.
In the match which took place at the Fonte Nova Arena Stadium, the Netherlands could bombard the Costa Rica goal which was escorted by Keylor Navas throughout the match, but the match had to be ended on penalties as well. In a match that lasted for 120 minutes with the score 0-0, both teams were able to show an exciting and thrilling game, far from boring.
Reporting from the official FIFA website, Costa Rica was able to record 33 dangerous actions for the Dutch defense while Louis van Gaal's team made 69 dangerous actions for the Costa Rican defense. The Oranje team packed 20 attempts throughout the match while Costa Rica only recorded six attempts.
Costa Rica is lucky to have goalkeeper Keylor Navas who in this match was able to perform brilliantly. At that time, the goalkeeper who was still defending Levante managed to make seven saves throughout the match. This was enough to frustrate the Dutch.
Anticlimax in Penalty Shootout
When the final whistle sounded, the Costa Rican coach, Luis Pinto, cheered. It seemed he had anticipated this. Plus Navas' slick performance in goal, Pinto deserves to have faith.
However, unfortunately Keylor Navas was not even able to block a penalty from a Dutch player once. Instead, the stage in this round belonged to Tim Krul, who had been prepared by van Gaal to face the high-fives round. The former Newcastle goalkeeper came on for Jasper Cillessen, and successfully blocked Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umana's kicks.
The Netherlands also qualified after winning 4-3 and advanced to the semifinals to face Argentina.
Proud of Team Achievements
The Costa Rica coach said he was disappointed his team lost. However, according to Pinto, his team has done a lot of extraordinary during this World Cup which makes his team happy, one of which is the record of never losing.
"We were sick, but happy. When we entered the World Cup, many people didn't believe in us. However, during this World Cup we did many beautiful things. Even though we had to leave, we never lost, even when we faced the big teams. ," said Pinto, quoted by the BBC.
"We left a positive impression and pride in Costa Rican football. I am proud of the players and this country. They have given everything they have," he said.