FIFA World Cup 2014: Costa Rica and Greece

Costa Rica

The biggest surprise of the World Cup 2014 is surely the team of Jorge Luis Pinto. Given no chance to earn a single point in a group full of former World champions, Costa Rica not only managed to qualify to the next round, but also win the group. They didn’t give up after they lost the first half to Uruguay in the first match, coming out of the dressing room and utilizing their chances. Their greatly organized tactics is based on

a disciplined defence. The technically strong dispatcher Bolanos, alongside with the captain Ruiz in the midfield, and the quick striker Campbell are always there to bite when a chance for a set piece or a counterattack is there. To be fair, the first two matches against Uruguay and Italy were won predominantly thanks to lousiness of the arrogant opponents, who surely had underestimated Costa Rica. The last match didn’t decide anything for England, so Costa Ricans, didn’t struggle much holding a goalless draw.

A huge self-confidence built after the group stage is going to be the biggest advantage in the match against Greece. The fans and a negative pattern for European teams make Costa Rica a favourite to win this match. Against such an opponent as Greece the team will have to take the initiative and create danger. This might be something new for the team used to be an underdog.         

 

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 4 - 1

Topscorer (s): Campbell, Duarte, Urena, Ruiz (all - 1)  

Team marks: 4 + 4,5 + 4 = 14,5
Average mark: 4,13
Best players: Bolanos (2,0)

Final place among 32: 8-9

Chances to win the World Cup: 2,11%

Greece

Greece started the tournament with a hard 0-3 defeat from Colombia, and then played more than half of the

match with 10 men against Japan. Only one point and no scored goals was the starting point before the third group match. It became one of the most dramatic one in the tournament, as Fernando Santos had to make two substitutes already in the beginning of the match. However, the teams scored its first goal against an Ivorian team, which was determined to defend a draw, but not good at it at all. After conceding the equalizer on 74^th minute, Greeks were almost
out of the tournament, and especially when the team hits the bar three times during a match, there is not much else left to do but dream. And the Greek players kept on dreaming and got a chance to win on 93^rd minute. Samaras scored from the spot and brought joy to his nation.    

Earning the Play-off ticket only deep inside the injury time in the last match is an occasion that might take a team really far. Greeks restored their self-confidence and are ready for more. Despite the fact that the opponent is Costa Rica and not a former World champion, Greece is surely going to put the main accent on defence. However, the team has been pretty good in attacking, as we saw in the last match, where only a win mattered. Let’s see how long a 0-0 score can be held.   

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 2 - 4

Topscorer (s): Samaris, Samaras (both - 1)  

Team marks: 2 + 2 + 4,5 = 8,5
Average mark: 2,83
Best players: Manolas (2,0)

Final place among 32: 17

Chances to win the World Cup: 2,58%