Tag Archives: Costa Rica

Costa Rica 1-1 Greece (Costa Rica win 5-3 on pens)

29 June 2014 | by Paul Brown | Match Reports

UFWC champions Costa Rica squeezed past Greece into the World Cup quarter finals after a penalty shoot-out settled this long, draining match. Greece had grabbed an injury time equaliser to put the match into extra time, with Costa Rica reduced to ten men. But goalkeeper Keylor Navas ended up being the hero for Los Ticos, saving brilliantly at the end of extra time, them saving the decisive penalty in the shoot-out to put his team through. Few pundits had reckoned on either side reaching the knock-out stages, never mind both.

Who will be the Undisputed Football World Champions?

27 June 2014 | by Paul Brown | Features

After two weeks, 48 games, and 136(!) goals, only 16 of the 32 World Cup finalists remain in Brazil. The UFWC title is still in Brazil, too, and will remain in play right the way through to the final. That means the eventual World Cup winners will also be the Unofficial Football World Champions, and the official and unofficial titles will be unified. All 16 remaining teams have the chance to become football’s undisputed champions. The current unofficial champions are Costa Rica, who now face Greece in the Round of 16, on Sunday, 29 June, at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife.

Costa Rica 0-0 England: UFWC title into World Cup last 16

24 June 2014 | by Paul Brown | Match Reports

Costa Rica retained the UFWC title and will take it into the World Cup round of 16 as winners of group D following this bore-draw with England. Costa Rica had taken the title from Uruguay and then beaten Italy to retain it. They only needed this draw in Belo Horizonte to secure top spot in the qualifying group. England, meanwhile, were playing for pride, but head home without winning a game at Brazil 2014. Los Ticos have been one of the biggest surprise packages of a entertaining and unpredictable tournament. Coach Jorge Luis Pinto has impressed with his meticulous preparation and effective tactics, setting up his energetic team to nullify opponents. That was certainly the case here, as Costa Rica closed England down while only rarely threatening to score.