MX23RW : Thursday, April 25 13:55:15| >> :600:2734907:2734907:

Jorge Luis Pinto: 'Costa Rica cheated group of death'

Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto praises his squad for defying the odds and qualifying from the "group of death".

Jorge Luis Pinto has praised his Costa Rica team for surviving the "group of death" ahead of taking their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

The perceived outsiders defied the odds to beat Uruguay and Italy en route to winning Group D and sealing a place in the second round of the tournament.

"It was a really complicated group of very experienced teams. But we came to fight and compete, and we have done," he told reporters following the 0-0 draw with England in their final group game.

"This was called the group of death, but it wasn't - not for us anyway. I'm so happy for Costa Rica. I know the love they have for football.

"May they keep enjoying it! I've loved the three games. We've played a sure, dynamic football. We're unbeaten, it's historic."

As pool winners, Costa Rica will face the runners-up from Group C in the next round.

ID:161671: cacheID:161671:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1839:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
 Luke Shaw of England is challenged by Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group D match between Costa Rica and England at Estadio Mineirao on June 24, 2014
Read Next:
Match Analysis: Costa Rica 0-0 England
>
Read more about Jorge Luis Pinto Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Liverpool34228475344174
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!