Costa Rica target fast start to last-16 clash with Greece

Sport360 staff 06:12 29/06/2014
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  • Lion tamers: Costa Rica’s success came at same time as England flopped.

    Costa Rica are determined to score first when they take on Greece in the World Cup last 16 in Recife today.

    Greece have developed a reputation over the years of being extremely hard to break down, particularly if they take the lead.

    They have almost perfected the classic Italian system of catenaccio in which teams would play in a defensive way and hope to score a single goal on the counter-attack.

    And Los Ticos technical assistant Luis Marin said his team need to score early to prevent Greece from taking the lead and then shutting up shop.

    “It’s crucial for us to score early in the game, especially as Greece are known to tighten up at the back once they score,” said Marin. “But we know it’s going to be a tough game all round.

    “Although they lost to Colombia (3-0), the goals they conceded were down to simple mistakes. Greece are also potent on the counter-attack.”

    He added: “Penalties could play a role at some point. They are a part of the game and although we hope it doesn’t happen, we have to prepare for every scenario – we’ve been practising penalties.”

    Given the flair with which Costa Rica sailed through Group D, they should start as favourites at the Arena Pernambuco – where they stunned a lifeless Italy 1-0 last week.

    Randall Brenes and Roy Miller both came into the starting XI for the 0-0 draw with England. However, they’re expected to drop out for Christian Bolanos and Michael Umana, with Pinto expected to name the same side that secured that win over Italy.

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