Coach Jorge Luis Pinto said “Costa Rica were in the Group of Death, but it’s the others who are dead” after beating Italy.
The Central Americans progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Uruguay and 1-0 result against the Azzurri.
Coach Jorge Luis Pinto said “Costa Rica were in the Group of Death, but it’s the others who are dead” after beating Italy.
The Central Americans progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Uruguay and 1-0 result against the Azzurri.
“Of course we want to win the next match now and I must ask my players to keep calm and play just as well,” said Pinto in a Press conference ahead of Tuesday’s encounter with already-eliminated England.
“We knew that we could make history for Costa Rica and today we have done that. That’s what I told my players today – let’s change history.
“It was a beautiful match and the people of Costa Rica deserve this day. They have supported the team and me and this was for them.
“We have played a historic team. They’re really good. They have wonderful players so, of course, we feel really proud.
“Our team feels proud, our country feels proud. … We want to go even farther.”
Costa Rica were considered the minnows of Group D, as it included previous World Cup winners Italy, Uruguay and England.
“Maybe there are a lot of people who didn't have faith in us because we were in the 'Group of Death'. But it’s the others who are dead and we’re going to the next round.”