Costa Rica emerged victorious in a penalty shootout against Greece to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals where they are to meet 2010 finalists, Netherlands.
Costa Rica won the penalty shootout against the Greek 5-3 after the game ended 1-1 following extra time. The victory meant the side reached the quarterfinal stage for the first time in their history.
Bryan Ruiz scored in the 52nd minute when he curled his shot low into the left corner for the victors who held onto the lead for much of the second half.
Unfortunately Costa Rica were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute as Oscar Duarte picked a second booking for a mistimed tackle on Jose Holebas.
The red card had a direct effect on the game as Greece used the advantage to push more players upfront. The Greeks were soon level in injury time when Sokratis Papastathopoulos slammed home the equalizer.
The 91st minute strike was a rebound that came off Geka’s effort earlier saved by the goalkeeper Navas. The match progressed into extra time with no goal from either side, setting up a penalty Shootout.
Costa Rica and Greece all scored their first three penalties each, before Joel Campbell netted the fourth for Costa Rica.
Greece who were still on three had their fourth by Theofanis Gekas saved by goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Micheal Umana dispatched perfectly for the winner to the top left corner for the Costa Ricans who ran across the pitch celebrating their greatest World Cup success so far.