Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto has revealed his side studied the opposition and practised penalties ahead of the World Cup win over Greece.

Following a 1-1 draw, the game went to penalties in Recife last night with Costa Rica netting every single spot kick superbly, while goalkeeper Keylor Navas saved Theofanis Gekas’ effort to send his nation through to the Quarter Finals.

After the game, Pinto told media: "We practised penalties before and we had studied the opposition and that's why we scored 100%,".

"It was a dramatic match, a very difficult one. There were moments when we dominated the match but there were other moments when they did - but we were strong and we came through."

Costa Rica is now in to the World Cup Quarter Finals for the first time ever and will face Holland following their sensational late victory over Mexico.

Speaking of the achievement, Pinto was beaming with pride.

"This is an incredible emotion that we all feel,"

"This is an important win for the team and for the whole country. We are really proud.

"We are making history. It's beautiful what we have done. This win is for everyone in Costa Rica."

Greece manager Fernando Santos will step down from his position following the tournament and was understandably downbeat.

"It is a sad moment for us because obviously we want to keep creating history and to make the Greek people even happier. That was not possible.” He said.

"When the fifth penalty went in I felt sadness, just sadness.
"I wanted to continue, I wanted to go to Salvador - the team wanted to go to Salvador. It was a group feeling of sadness."

Photo: Action Images

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