On June 29, in the Brazilian city of Recife, the fourth match of the 1/8 finals of the football world Cup in Brazil took place. The teams of Costa Rica and Greece met, which sensationally made their way to the decisive stage of the tournament.
The pair Costa Rica - Greece was considered the weakest among the other teams in the playoffs. The game between these teams was a clear confirmation of this.
The first half was boring. The Costa Ricans tried to play the first number, and the Greeks made counterattacks, but there were practically no chances to score. The ball moved slowly, the spectators could see the struggle in the center of the field, the teams rarely disturbed the goalkeepers.
Among the memorable moments of the first half of the meeting, one can single out the dangerous attack of the Greeks, when the European player at close range was unable to hit the opponents' goal. Costa Rica goalkeeper Navas came to the rescue.
The first half ended in a goalless draw.
At the beginning of the second half of the meeting, the Costa Ricans opened an account. On the 52nd minute, Brian Ruiz hit the bottom corner of the European goal with the most accurate blow. Costa Rica led 1 - 0. After this moment, the Greeks began to actively pressurize, trying to escalate the situation at the gates of the Central Americans. However, it was impossible to recoup, there were few chances. But sporting fortune still turned to face the Greeks.
Already in the condensed time, Papastathopoulos played great on finishing moves and evened the score. The Greeks snatched a draw in regulation time. In addition, the Europeans had another moment to hit the Costa Ricans' goal in regular time of the match. But goalkeeper Navas saves his team after hitting a Greek player under the crossbar.
In extra time, the spectators did not see the goals, but we must admit that the Greeks were closer to the goal. Already on the 121st minute of the meeting, Mitroglu missed a real chance to score. The Greek player shot from close range on goal, but missed the target.
The game ended with a draw, therefore, for the second time in the tournament, the fate of reaching the next stage was decided in a penalty shootout.
Luck smiled at Costa Rica. All five players converted their shots, which led to the Central Americans winning on penalties 5-3. Costa Rica will now play the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, and Greece will go home.
