BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) – Costa Rica finished first in what many considered the World Cup’s toughest group after a dour 0-0 draw against a second-string England side today.
Costa Rica only needed a draw to top Group D and played that way, setting up in a defensive 5-3-2 formation.
The result gives Costa Rica their best World Cup performance, winning a group that contained former three world champions. While Los Ticos reached the knockout stages in 1990, they finished second in a weaker group.
Costa Rica will play the runner-up in Group C in the second round. England lost their first two matches to Italy and Uruguay, while Costa Rica surprisingly won their first two. Uruguay also advanced from the group after beating Italy 1-0.
England had already been eliminated and will go home without a win after striker Daniel Sturridge missed a number of chances throughout the match.
One of Sturridge’s best opportunities came in the 65th after a nice one-two with midfielder Jack Wilshere. But the forward’s curling shot from the right just missed, squeezing inside the far post.
Costa Rica had started the match brightly, passing the ball around midfield with ease and making England chase them around. Forward Joel Campbell had an early chance, but his shot from inside the area deflected off Gary Cahill and went just wide in the second minute.
Costa Rica’s best chance came in the 23rd minute when Celso Borges’ curling free kick was tipped onto the crossbar and out for a corner by England goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Group D Results
Uruguay 1, Costa Rica 3
England 1, Italy 2
Uruguay 2, England 1
Italy 0, Costa Rica 1
Italy 0, Uruguay 1
Costa Rica 0, England 0
Group D Standings
Teams Matches Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Points
Costa Rica 3 2 1 0 4 1 7
Uruguay 3 2 0 1 4 4 6
Italy 3 1 0 2 2 3 3
England 3 0 1 2 2 4 1