England 0-0 Costa Rica: No consolation win for Roy’s men

Date: 24th June 2014 at 8:44pm
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England drew with Group D leaders Costa Rica 0-0 in the final match before the World Cup Round of 16.

Costa Rica were the first to threaten through striker Joel Campbell. Dashing forward he had a crack from range, but his deflected shot went out of play and the officials signalled for a goal kick. England were next to fashion an attack when Daniel Sturridge was given all the time in the world outside the area, but his curling effort went just wide.

The group leaders were looking the more aggressive as they instantly sought to recover lost possession. However the Three Lions were desperate to knock their high spirits: Sturridge caught sight of Keylor Navas off his line, but his powerful volley sailed well wide. Jorge Luis Pinto’s men seemed content to defend and let England try their luck.

However it wasn’t all going England’s way. A foul by Adam Lallana on Campbell gave Costa Rica a direct route to goal, but Fraser Foster was equal to the shot from Celso Borges. Once again, England went on the attack, this time though Ross Barkley. Having evades three challenges, the youngster fed the ball out wide to James Milner, but the Manchester City man saw his cross plucked out of the air by Navas.

Sturridge had the best chances of the game when Phil Jones headered the ball across goal, but the target-man put his shot over the crossbar from close range. Determined to get a goal before half time, England went on the attack once again, and after an intricate passing move involving Jack Wilshire, Sturridge and finally Barkley, the Everton’s starlet skewed his shot wide.

Just before the whistle blew, England were caught out by a long pass up the field, but Randall Brenes couldn’t find the composure to beat Foster in goal. Sturridge squandered another chance to put England ahead. A one-two pass with Wilshire found Sturridge in behind the defenders but his shot petered just wide. Costa Rica had few chances in the second half but did manage to test Foster when substitute Christian Bolanos had a long range effort, but the West Brom shot-stopper smothered it.

Ultimately, England fans were denied the chance of seeing their team win a World Cup match. Costa Rica seemed content to hold their opponents until the final whistle despite the match taking place between Uruguay and Italy. A disappointing World Cup for the Three Lions who go home empty handed, while Costa Rica will be truly elated with what they’ve achieved.

Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156

 

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