Italy's 0-1 loss to Costa Rica led to England's exit from the World Cup. After the match, Italy's coach Cesare Prandelli apologized to England but acknowledged that the Italians themselves have problems.
Although Costa Rica was considered an easy target for both the English and the Italians, it was the South Americans who secured a spot in the quarterfinals first and sent the English back home.
Italy's coach Cesare Prandelli, giving an interview to the "Daily Mirror," apologized to England: "I am deeply sorry for England, but I am equally embarrassed for ourselves. I have nothing to convey to the English, as we have to think about our own problems. They are not huge, but quite obvious."
Italy's coach also emphasized that Costa Rica's players were physically better prepared: "When you play against a team that is more athletic than you, you have to outsmart them with your organization. We didn't do that. Unfortunately, after conceding a goal, we couldn't respond in the same way.
But now is not the time to give in to negativity - we need to recharge our batteries and try again. When we drew the groups, we knew this group wouldn't be easy, and we hoped that everything would be decided in the match against Uruguay."
Costa Rica's coach Jorge Luis Pinto: "It was an amazing match. Bryan Ruiz scored at the perfect time. We played against an incredible team, so we are very proud of ourselves. I don't want to be too positive, but I think our defense was just perfect. Everything I know about football now, I learned from Italian football, so I know how difficult it is to beat such a quality team."
Best player of the match Bryan Ruiz: "It's a wonderful victory, but it's important to note that we believed in it. After all, we defeated Uruguay. Only now are we beginning to understand what this victory means to the people of Costa Rica."
15min.lt
