Costa Rica's players celebrate at the end of their 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match against Italy at the Pernambuco arena in Recife June 20, 2014. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
(Reuters) - Costa Rica's five-man backline and lightning counter-attacks may look like a defensive set-up but four goals in two thrilling group games suggests their "tico-taka" system could yet take them deep into the World Cup.
The early elimination of world champions Spain has prompted many observers to declare the death of their tiki-taka style of play, in which possession is paramount, while counter-attacking teams are flourishing in Brazil.
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