 "Costa Rica beat Greece 5-3 on penalties to reach WC Quarters")
Ten-man Costa Rica beat Greece 5-3 on penalties after an epic battle to set up a quarterfinal clash with the Netherlands, who edged out Mexico 2-1 in their last-16 match of the FIFA World Cup.
Costa Rica, who were reduced to 10-man in the second half, were put ahead by Bryan Ruiz in the 52nd minute but a late equaliser by Sokratis Papastathopoulos early in stoppage time rescued Greece as the match headed to extra time.
The two teams, however, could not be separated even in the extra time and finally Costa Rica sealed their maiden quarterfinal berth when Michael Umana converted his team's fifth penalty after Fanis Gekas missed Greece's fourth at Arena Pernambuco.
Costa Rica players broke into a dance amid cheering from their fans but the Greece players were left teary-eyed following their exit from the World Cup.
Costa Rica, who were reduced to 10-man in the second half, were put ahead by Bryan Ruiz in the 52nd minute but a late equaliser by Sokratis Papastathopoulos early in stoppage time rescued Greece as the match headed to extra time.
The two teams, however, could not be separated even in the extra time and finally Costa Rica sealed their maiden quarterfinal berth when Michael Umana converted his team's fifth penalty after Fanis Gekas missed Greece's fourth at Arena Pernambuco.
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Celso Borges, Bryan Ruiz, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Joel Campbell and Umana converted all the five penalties for Costa Rica, while Konstantinos Mitroglou, Lazaros Christodoulopoulos and Jose Holebas scored for Greece before Costa Rica goalkeeper Navas made a brilliant save from Theofanis Gekas.
Costa Rica players broke into a dance amid cheering from their fans but the Greece players were left teary-eyed following their exit from the World Cup.