‘Costa Rica deserved it’

Costa Rica Coach Jorge Luis Pinto believes his side deserved to beat Greece in the World Cup Round of 16.

Los Ticos won a penalty shootout after the match in Recife finished 1-1, the Central Americans playing almost an hour with 10 men after Oscar Duarte was sent off, but Keylor Navas saved Thiofanis Gekas’ spot kick and Michael Umana netted to put Costa Rica through.

“This group is immense. The work, sacrifice and execution were sensational,” El Laguero reports Pinto as saying.

“We deserved this for the sacrifice we made.”

Pinto added that in his opinion, Duarte shouldn’t have been dismissed and the shootout win was ‘justice.’

“Justice was served. I had said it was not going to be easy against Greece,” Pinto continued.

“We are so happy. The players, manager, fans and you, the media – all those who supported us are so happy.”

Costa Rica now play the Netherlands in the quarter-final, the fixture taking place later this week.

Tags Costa Rica Greece Jorge Luis Pinto World Cup 2014
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