Jorge Luis Pinto has hailed Costa Rica for presenting a "dignified" image of football from their country at the World Cup.

The team were considered outsiders in Group D ahead of the tournament, but won the group before eventually being knocked out on penalties in the quarter-finals last night.

The coach told reporters: "We were never afraid of very strong powerhouses. We were here to play, sometimes we were able to play, sometimes we weren't, but that's football. Still, I think we have presented a dignified image of Costa Rican football.

"Netherlands is not an easy team. They have players who have played in the Euros, the World Cup and other important leagues. We have fought from the beginning and we were well organised.

"Penalties depend on luck, but it's the way it is. We have shown that we can offer a good show and beautiful football. We defended well all the time and have shown quality."

The Netherlands won the shootout 4-3 to secure a place against Argentina in the semi-finals.

Written by
Sian Cowper