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Los Ticos sends Greeks packing after penalty shootout

Ten-men Costa Rica are going through to the quarterfinals after beating Greece at the panalty shoot-outs on Monday morning, June 30.

Both teams scored their first three penalties, cranking up the tension level at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife.

That was until Los Ticos (Costa Rics's goalkeeper) put up his hand to play the role of hero.

His save against Fanis Gekas meant that Costa Ricans needed Michael Umana to score their last penalty kick to go through to the the quarterfinals for the first time ever.

Which, of course, Umana did just moments later.

Costa Rica had led for most of the match when their Captain Bryan Ruiz guided the ball into the net as the Greeks just watch in the 52nd min.

The goal brought Greece out of their shells and the pressure began to get to the Costa Ricans. Oscar Duarte brought down Jose Holebas in the 62nd minute and his second yellow card meant his immediate expulsion.

This spurred the Greeks to pour forward in search of the equalising goal which came when Sokratis Papastathopoulos struck in the second minute of injury time.

The Greeks were however unable to take advantage of the momentum from their late goal and the game ended in a draw which they off course later lost on penalties.

Costa Rica will face the Netherlands on July 6 in their first ever quarterfinals appearance.

Source: AFP, YouTube

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