2014 FIFA World Cup: Costa Rica Saves Fans From Boredom

Jun 29, 2014; Recife, Pernambuco, BRAZIL; Costa Rica defender Michael Umana (4) sprints out of a pack of jubilant teammates after making the winning score during penalty kicks in a World Cup game at Arena Pernambuco. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Like how the Fairy Tale characters celebrated when Shrek brought down the regime of Lord Fardquat, World Cup fans rejoiced as the most unentertaining team in the tournament, Greece, was ousted by everyone’s second favorite country, Costa Rica. The match was bereft of excitement as Los Ticos struggled to get in rhythm against their opponent’s staunch defense, while Greece were overly predictable with their offense, giving Costa Rica an easy time in keeping them scoreless until injury time. Eventually Costa Rica came up on top after winning 5-3 on the penalty shootout in a 1-1 draw.

Jun 29, 2014; Recife, Pernambuco, BRAZIL; Greece defender Giorgos Tzavelas (3) looks on as Greece forward Theofanis Gekas (17) walks off the field after being stopped during penalty kicks as Costa Rica defender Michael Umana (4) is congratulated after scoring the winning goal in a World Cup game at Arena Pernambuco. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Los Ticos opened up the scoring in the 52nd minute when Bryan Ruiz slotted a slow rolling shot that slipped past the Greek defense unnoticed. Although Costa Rica tried to push on the offensive end, they struggled to double up their lead. Still Los Ticos seemed primed to win the match.

However, at the 66th minute, Costa Rica defender Oscar Duarte caught Jose Holebas with a sliding tackle and was awarded a second yellow card, leaving his team with only 10 men. Greece started gaining ground offensively while Costa Rica tried to defend for their lives.

As time winded down, fans hoped for this borefest to end as Greece tried to string a series of attackingish plays (Can’t consider it real attacking) while the undermanned Costa Rica played behind the ball. As time winded down to the first minute of injury time, Theofanis Gekas played off a pass from Kostas Mitroglou and did a turnaround shot at goal. Costa Rican keeper Keylor Navas blocked the shot, but the deflection went towards Sokratis who snapped the ball into the back of the net, sending the game to extra time.

The 120 minute length felt longer than it should have been as neither side found a decent look at goal in extra time. During the penalty shootout, both sides made their first three shots. However, after Joel Campbell slotted his shot past the keeper to give Costa Rica a 4-3, Keylor Navas produced an acrobatic save on Gekas to preserve Costa Rica’s lead. Michael Umana converted his shot and sealed the victory for Los Ticos.

Jun 29, 2014; Recife, Pernambuco, BRAZIL; Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas (1) makes the winning save during penalty kicks against Greece forward Theofanis Gekas (17) in a World Cup game at Arena Pernambuco. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Man of the Match

All credit goes to Keylor Navas who stayed focused throughout the match and produced fine saves to protect Costa Rica’s lead. There was nothing he could do on the injury time goal, since the backline was at fault for misplaying the pass that led up to the goal. Still if Navas wasn’t playing between the posts, Costa Rica would have been sent home packing.

Tweets of the Match