World Cup 2014: Costa Rica studied penalties - Pinto

Costa Rica's penalty shootout win over Greece in the World Cup last 16 was a result of studying the opposition, coach Jorge Luis Pinto has revealed.

Pinto's side won the shootout 5-3 after the game finished 1-1 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time ever.

His side were faultless with their penalties while keeper Keylor Navas saved Theofanis Gekas's effort.

"We practised penalties before and we had studied the opposition and that's why we scored 100%," said Pinto.

"It was a dramatic match, a very difficult one. There were moments when we dominated the match but there were other moments when they did - but we were strong and we came through."

The Netherlands lie in wait after a topsy-turvy encounter in Recife, in which Costa Rica went ahead early in the second half through captain Bryan Ruiz's first-time strike.

That looked to be enough for the Central Americans, only for Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos to net a stoppage-time leveller to take the tie into extra time.

"This is an incredible emotion that we all feel," said Pinto. "This is an important win for the team and for the whole country. We are really proud.

"We are making history. It's beautiful what we have done. This win is for everyone in Costa Rica."

For counterpart Fernando Santos, defeat meant the end of his reign as Greece manager, having led the Euro 2004 winners to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

"I don't really like talking about luck, or lack of luck," said Santos, who was sent to the stands by the referee before the shootout.

"It is a sad moment for us because obviously we want to keep creating history and to make the Greek people even happier. That was not possible.

"When the fifth penalty went in I felt sadness, just sadness.

"I wanted to continue, I wanted to go to Salvador - the team wanted to go to Salvador. It was a group feeling of sadness."

Keylor Navas made several key saves before stopping Theofanis Gekas' penalty in the shootout

Michael Umana scored the winning penalty to send Costa Rica through to their first ever World Cup quarter-final

Costa Rica converted all five of their penalty kicks

Striker Theofanis Gekas was brought on after Costa Rica were reduced to 10 men when Oscar Duarte was dismissed

Where would you put your shootout penalty? Read Gary Lineker's guide to World Cup penalty shootouts.

For the best of BBC Sport's in-depth content and analysis, go to our features and video page.