Greece’s dream stops at the group of “16″

The match was decided on penalties after extra time

Fernando Santos’ players fought like Greeks today, in the game against Costa Rica in the World Cup. They lost 5-3 on penalties by the Central American team.

After a thrilling match which came to a 1-1 with Ruiz scoring on the 52nd minute and Papastathopoulos scoring in extra time, the game was decided in penalties, but unfortunately it stopped Greece’s trip to Brazil.



In more details, minutes after the 2nd half started, Costa Rica scored with Bryan Ruiz. The Greeks took over after Duarte’s red card and missed their chances by the dozens. Just before the match was about to end, center back Sokratis Papastathopoulos stung the crowd. Fanis Gekas first shot was saved by Navas but Sokratis finally scored just before the match was ended.

 



With one less player Costa Rica looked shattered, but Greece could not find any way through. Costa Ricans would not give it up. Costa Rica’s defensive efforts took them to the penalty shoot out where they converted all penalties. “Fatal” to our national team was Fanis Gekas who missed the fourth penalty, after the Costa Rican hero Navas saved it. On the contrary to our players, the Costa Ricans didn’t miss any penalty The final penalty


 

Fernando Santos last game coaching the Greeks saw them almost clinching the win. The Portuguese’s contract expires tomorrow and Claudio Ranieri will be taking his spot to help them in the Euro 2016 qualifying rounds.

 

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