http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255951/match=300186459/match-report.html
In doing so, they denied their opponents the opportunity to set a similar benchmark after 120 minutes ended with the score at 1-1.
Outstanding goalkeeper Keylor Navas was the hero of the shootout as he saved a crucial spot-kick and allowed Michael Umana to book Los Ticos a date with the Netherlands.
The game began cautiously in north-east Brazil. The Greeks, surprise qualifiers from the group stage, did their all to slow the game down from the start. Perhaps fearful of Costa Rica’s lightning counter-attacks, the 2004 European champions rarely pressed forward in a cagey opening period.
Shortly after the break, Costa Rica thrilled their adoptive fans with a goal of stunning quality. Christian Bolanos picked out captain and classy creator Bryan Ruiz unmarked on the edge of the box, and he side-footed into the bottom corner.
Things suddenly went dark for the Costa Ricans mid-way through the second-half. Defensive lynchpin Oscar Duarte was shown his second yellow card in the 66th minute for a rash challenge on Jose Cholevas and was promptly given his marching orders.
Just when it seemed Los Ticos would survive playing a man down, Greece broke their hearts. Navas palmed away a shot from close-range with two minutes to go and Sokratis hammered home the rebound to spark wild celebrations in the Greek camp.
With an extra man and the extra options it brings, Greece were the dominant side in extra-time. But the spirited Costa Ricans gave everything to hang on for a shootout. All nine penalty takers scored before Theofanis Gekas stepped up and had his kick saved by Navas. Michael Umana then sealed the win for the Central Americans.
They now move on to meet the Netherlands on 5 July in Salvador after the Oranje dispatched Costa Rica’s CONCACAF rivals Mexico in dramatic circumstances earlier in the day.
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