I think "humiliating" is a strong word for a 1-0 win. Humiliating is both of Spain's matches to date.

 

Regardless, on name power alone I don't think any of the other three teams expected the Costa Rica matches to be anything more than gimmes before this started, so in a way. Spain have just been more humiliated. We shouldn't have discredited them but we did, perhaps that's helped their cause a little?

I don't think the Italians weren't trying at all, I think that's really discrediting Costa Rica who totally outplayed Italy tactically there, and put our to shame. They wouldn't let Pirlo play and Italy were made to look every bit as average as we did last time. What Thierry Henry said at the end of that match was completely accurate, if you were asked to name a Costa Rica player, most people would struggle, but the World Cup is a team effort. So much of England's tactics centered around Wayne Rooney, a player who isn't strong enough to hold up a side. Costa Rica as a team played really well today and they do look like the best side in our group, so qualification is more than deserved.

 

They stifled the midfield, something England constantly failed to do. You disrupt Pirlo and take control of the game. Costa Rica were dictating the tempo, something England let Italy do. It's simple you either build a team game, or centre your game around your star player like a few of the teams do. Rooney's best position is as a striker, only Sturridge is better. For once I think 4-4-2, might have actually solved a lot of our problems.

Regardless, on name power alone I don't think any of the other three teams expected the Costa Rica matches to be anything more than gimmes before this started, so in a way. Spain have just been more humiliated. We shouldn't have discredited them but we did, perhaps that's helped their cause a little?

I agree with that, I just think "humiliate" is a strong word. Upset, yes.

There have been several unfancied teams over the years who have made it through to the knock-out stages largely by a mixture of good fortune and slip-ups by other sides. Costa Rica are not one of them. They have qualified on merit so congratulations to them. Ah well, let's enjoy the rest of the tournament without the stress of following England's progress.

Agree with posters on DS who are saying that ITV should relegate England-Costa Rica to ITV4 and show the Italy-Uruguay one on the main channel. Won't happen though.

Agree with posters on DS who are saying that ITV should relegate England-Costa Rica to ITV4 and show the Italy-Uruguay one on the main channel. Won't happen though.

The BBC did that once but they don't have to worry about advertising revenue.

Interesting that the two teams to play in Manuas have been shadows of themselves in the next game, perhaps the high energy match played their has ruined both us and Italy.