World Cup 2014 Preview, Schedule, How to Watch: Costa Rica vs England: Costa Rica Guns for Group D Top Spot
Costa Rica will look to solidify their grip on the top spot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup's Group D, while England will fight for pride when they collide on Tuesday at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Costa Rica needs just a draw to top the group and get a favorable matchup in the knockout stages after scoring impressive victories in their first two games.
The Ticos opened their campaign with a scintillating 3-1 win over heavily-favored Uruguay, which was followed by a huge 1-0 win over Italy in their second assignment.
Costa Rica, who will advance to the knockout stages for the second time in team history, will once again rely on their fluid counter attacks, fueled by striker Joel Campbell and attacking midfielder Bryan Ruiz.
While the match will have little-to-no-bearing for Costa Rica, coach Jorge Luis Pinto said that he won't let his squad relax, promising to play for the win to gain momentum heading into the knockout stages.
"Of course we want to win the next match now and I must ask my players to keep calm and play just as well," Pinto said via Yahoo! Sports UK. "We knew that we could make history for Costa Rica and we have done that. That's what I told my players -- let's change history."
England, on the other hand, will just look to end their failed campaign on a positive note.
The Three Lions will not advance to the next round for the first since 1958 after losing to Italy 2-1 in their opener, followed by a 2-1 loss to Luis Suarez-led Uruguay squad.
With their failed bid in the Brazil tournament, the Three Lions are already setting their sights on the next big tournament -- the 2016 European Championship -- and coach Roy Hodgson is expected to retain his place despite their disappointing performance in Brazil.
"I see no reason to resign," Hodgson said. "I feel allegiance to the players and the staff. I think we work well together. I accept this campaign has not been good. I'm grateful I've not been made that scapegoat and that people think I can take the team forward, and that's what I will be doing."
Schedule, Date, Where to Watch
The England-Costa Rica showdown will start at 12 p.m. EST Tuesday and will be televised on ESPN; fans can also watch the game online via WatchESPN.
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