Costa Rica V Greece– Team News Arena Pernambuco, Recife Costa Rica Manager Jorge Luis Pinto’s side owes its success to the defensive stability and compactness that has been ingrained into the system. The Costa Ricans didn’t concede a single goal from open play in their three group games. The Arsenal man, Campbell has shone in his loan spell to Olympiacos and there are calls for Wenger to bring him back to the Emirates. Costa Rica rely heavily on Campbell’s pace and direct running as he can swiftly turn defense into attack. Greece Traditionally the Greeks have a history of playing cautiously, nicking the odd goal and then defending for their lives. But there has been a change in recent times, Fernando Santos’s side do counter well but can also dominate possession and dictate play. But with the stakes so high, expect both sides to exercise caution over adventure. Former Man City striker Samaras is their star man and will be entrusted to provide the attacking flair and invention. Samaras is a much improved player from his not-so outstanding stint in England and is a key to Greece’s success. Greece striker Kostas Mitroglou, who took a hit to his side and had to be taken off against Japan, could return for the game and bolster their offense. Christodoulopoulos is another impressive performer; the Bologna midfielder is good on the ball and can create panic with his pace and quick feet. Let’s not forget the veteran of Greek football and the most capped player in Greece’s history, Giorgos Karagounis. The Fulham midfielder is still going strong and giving it his all for his beloved country, but this should surely be his last appearance on the international stage. pokit.org/get/?c7f9403e9cc2ad6a04f545b2b6d32f24.jpg
Posted on: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 20:41:21 +0000