BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil – Costa Rica has finished first in what many considered the World Cup’s toughest group after a dour 0-0 draw against a second-string England side Tuesday.
Costa Rica only needed a draw to top Group D and it played that way, setting up in a defensive 5-3-2 formation.
England had already been eliminated and will go home without a win after striker Daniel Sturridge missed a number of chances throughout the match.
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Sturridge’s best chance in the second half came in the 65th after a nice one-two with Jack Wilshere. But the forward’s curling shot from the right just missed squeezing inside the far post.
Costa Rica will play the runner-up in Group C in the second round. England lost its first two matches to Italy and Uruguay.
GROUP D FINAL STANDINGS
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