2014 FIFA World Cup: Costa Rica's Historic Campaign

Costa Rica's Road to the Quarterfinals

Costa Rica defied expectations by reaching the quarterfinals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The team finished top of their group ahead of powerhouses Uruguay, Italy, and England. In the knockout stage, they defeated Greece on penalty kicks and took the Netherlands to a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals, eventually losing 4-3.

Costa Rica's Key Players

Keylor Navas, Costa Rica's goalkeeper, was a standout performer throughout the tournament. His exceptional saves and penalty stop against Greece earned him the Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Bryan Ruiz, Celso Borges, and Christian Bolaños were instrumental in Costa Rica's attacking success. Ruiz and Borges scored crucial goals, while Bolaños provided assists and created chances.

Costa Rica's Memorable Goals

Costa Rica's victory over Uruguay in their opening match is remembered for Edinson Cavani's missed penalty and Joel Campbell's stunning goal in the 54th minute. They also scored a dramatic equalizer against Greece in the Round of 16, with Óscar Duarte finding the net in the 90th minute.