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In the world of international football, the clash between England and Costa Rica is often seen as a David vs. Goliath battle, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport. Despite the vast difference in footballing history and reputation, these two nations have shared memorable encounters that have left fans around the globe on the edge of their seats. The first time England and Costa Rica faced off was in a friendly match on November 14, 1975. The game took place in San Jose, Costa Rica, and it was a match that would go down in the history books. England, a powerhouse in world football, was favored to win comfortably, but the Central American nation had other plans. After a goalless first half, Costa Rica scored in the 61st minute through Alvaro Saborio, a strike that would go on to be remembered as one of the greatest shocks in the history of international football. England, however, managed to equalize in the 89th minute, thanks to a header from Alan Ball. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams and fans around the world in awe. Fast forward to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and the stage was set for another epic encounter between England and Costa Rica. This time, the game was a Group D match, and it was a must-win for both sides. England, led by manager Roy Hodgson, was looking to secure a spot in the knockout stages, while Costa Rica, under the guidance of coach Jorge Luis Pinto, was aiming to make a statement on the global stage. The match, played on June 24, 2014, at the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza, was a thriller from start to finish. England took the lead in the 25th minute through Wayne Rooney, who converted a penalty after a foul on Jordan Henderson. However, Costa Rica replied in the 33rd minute with a stunning goal from Celso Borges, a left-footed shot that arrowed into the top corner of the net. The game then entered a tense deadlock, with both teams unable to break the deadlock. In the second half, the game heated up as England pressed for the winning goal. However, it was Costa Rica that almost scored the winner in the 76th minute, with Bryan Ruiz hitting the post with a close-range effort. England, though, finally got their breakthrough in the 86th minute, as substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored with a header from a corner kick. The goal sent the English fans into raptures, but the Costa Rican side showed immense character by holding on for a 1-1 draw in the end. This match was a microcosm of the battle between the two nations. England, with a rich footballing tradition, was expected to dominate, but Costa Rica showed that they were not to be underestimated. The draw in the 2014 World Cup was a morale-boosting result for Costa Rica, who went on to reach the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by the Netherlands. The rivalry between England and Costa Rica is not just about the on-field battles. It's also about the spirit and determination that both teams bring to the game. Costa Rica's rise in international football has been meteoric, and their ability to compete with the big guns has inspired many nations. England, on the other hand, is a nation with a long history of success but has struggled to replicate that on the international stage. As the two nations prepare for future encounters, it's clear that the matches between them will continue to be high-stakes affairs. Whether it's a friendly, a World Cup, or any other tournament, the clash between England and Costa Rica is sure to provide thrilling football, unpredictable outcomes, and a reminder of the beauty of the sport. The David vs. Goliath narrative may never fully disappear, but the passion and skill shown by both teams ensure that this battle will be fought time and time again.