Costa Rica coast as England pack baggage

Costa Rica cruised to the 2nd round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, topping Group D containing three former winners after a 0-0 draw with already-eliminated England in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on Tuesday. Dejected England manager Roy Hodgson admitted his side were fortunate to be applauded off after completing their sorry World Cup campaign. The result at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, the city that hosted England’s shock 1-0 loss to the United States in 1950, saw the 1966 champions register their lowest points total in World Cup history. Hodgson had called for an improved showing after the 2-1 defeats by Italy and Uruguay, but despite making nine changes to his starting XI, England again looked short of inspiration against the surprise Group D winners. Nevertheless, the white-clad hordes of travelling England fans stood and clapped the players when they came over to salute them. Costa Rica, assured of progress before kickoff after beating Italy and Uruguay in a spectacular start to their tournament, comfortably held their own against England, who endured their worst World Cup showing in 56 years. Hodgson’s side failed to end the tournament on a high despite nine changes from the team beaten by Uruguay, in a game that was short on goalmouth action or any tension. Costa Rica, who had never before gone unbeaten in a World Cup group stage, will face the runners-up of Group C – Greece – in the last 16. England bowed out at the group stage for the first time since the 1958 World Cup, finishing bottom on one point, according to agencies.