Nobody would have predicted that either Greece or Costa Rica would ever have qualified to this stage from their group . Costa Rica remarkably counter-attacked their way to the top of a group containing Uruguay, Italy and England , while Greece squeezed through thanks to a last-gasp penalty victory over Ivory Coast. There's no reason to expect Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto to alter his side's starting lineup, with no suspension or injury concerns heading in. He should revert to the team that defeated Italy.
In contrast, Greece boss Fernando Santos may be forced into starting Andreas Samaris in midfield after Panagiotis Kone came off early in their final group game against Ivory Coast. However, goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis should be available again, despite picking up a knock in the same game. Captain Kostas Katsouranis is back from a suspension, though may well be left out for Giorgos Karagounis regardless.
On Sunday evening, one of these teams will make it through into the quarterfinals. Heading in, it's Costa Rica who look in better shape, but anyone who witnessed Greece's remarkable showing at the European Championships a decade ago would
never write them off. The Costa Ricans always has a way to sneak through any defence and score, they have actually played against tougher teams than Greece and they came out with at least a point in all of those encounters. Greece might have qualified with hopes to cruise on to another round but I expect them to be sent home at this stage.
Verdict : Costa Rica to win
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