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Rediff.com  » Sports » PHOTOS: Costa Rica top Group D, England finish with a point
This article was first published 10 years ago

PHOTOS: Costa Rica top Group D, England finish with a point

Last updated on: June 24, 2014 14:39 IST

Image: England fans hold up a sign during their match against Costa Rica at Belo Horizonte
Photographs: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Former champions and perennial favorites England finished their World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against group winners Costa Rica at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte.

Roy Hodgson's team had already bowed out of the tournament following back-to-back defeats against Italy and Uruguay.

The Ticos, outsiders in a group featuring three former world champions, surprisingly topped it. 

The atmosphere in the 57,000-crowd at the Mineirao was subdued with only the small contingency of Costa Rican fans making some noise and their English counterparts playing with beach balls until they were confiscated.

There were also minor scuffles in the stands as frustration among English fans grew but they were quickly dealt with by stadium security.

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Sturridge sent two shots just wide

Image: Daniel Sturridge of England reacts after a challenge as goalkeeper Keylor Navas of Costa Rica looks on
Photographs: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

England keeper Ben Foster touched a curling free kick from Celso Borges on to the bar in the first half while Daniel Sturridge sent two shots just wide for an experimental England team hoping to restore some pride after being eliminated at the group stage for the first time since 1958.

"It's hollow," said England coach Roy Hodgson. "We showed today what a good team we can be. I'm so disappointed not to finish with a victory but I don't think I could have asked for a better performance.

"Today I think we were really unlucky not to win this game. I'm pleased we've given the fans something to cheer about in terms of our performance."

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England improved in the second half

Image: Luke Shaw of England is challenged by Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica
Photographs: Ian Walton/Getty Images

England improved in the second half with some better passing moves and Sturridge again went close with a low drive.

Wayne Rooney, a late substitute, tested keeper Keylor Navas with an 18-metre chip but the 1966 World Cup winners' last stand in Brazil did little to lift their spirits after yet another disappointing performance.

Also impressive was Manchester United target Luke Shaw.