MX23RW : Saturday, October 5 10:53:20| >> :600:2417959:2417959:

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
1Liverpool65011221015
2Manchester CityMan City6420146814
3Arsenal6420125714
4Chelsea6411157813
5Aston Villa6411129313
6Fulham632185311
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle632187111
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs6312125710
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton623110829
10Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest62316519
11Bournemouth622289-18
12Brentford6213810-27
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd621358-37
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham6123610-45
15Ipswich TownIpswich6042510-54
16Everton6114715-84
17Leicester CityLeicester6033812-43
18Crystal Palace603359-43
19Southampton6015312-91
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves6015616-101


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!