The Real Champs
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Real Madrid: Where the players stand after the Group Stage

By Mushtaq Nizamdin

SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 29, 2018: The Telstar Mechta, the official match ball for the khockout stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, during a press conference by the Portuguese men's national football team ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Uruguay, at Fisht Stadium. Sergei Fadeichev/TASS (Photo by Sergei FadeichevTASS via Getty Images)
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 29, 2018: The Telstar Mechta, the official match ball for the khockout stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, during a press conference by the Portuguese men's national football team ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Uruguay, at Fisht Stadium. Sergei Fadeichev/TASS (Photo by Sergei FadeichevTASS via Getty Images) /
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Costa Rica

Unfortunately for Costa Rica, they did not have a great outing at the 2018 World Cup. The South American side finished last in their group despite keeper Keylor Navas’ efforts. Costa Rica finished with a negative goal difference having scored just twice but conceding five times.

They went winless over the three games, losing two of their matches and drawing the final. Costa Rice wasn’t expected to go far in the competition by any means. Their group was shared by favorites Brazil, an unpredictable Serbia, and a strong Switzerland.

Keylor Navas

It is likely that Navas was realistic in his expectations of his team but he probably didn’t think it would be as bad as it was. While Navas does come from an elite European side many of his teammates do not. Keylor did the best he could in the match against Brazil who was only able to win in the final few minutes of the game.

Nava’s early end to the World Cup does come with a bit of a positive. The keeper will have a couple extra weeks of well-deserved rest. Keylor was once again key to Madrid’s European success. He played the highest number of minutes last season.  Navas will be joining Real Madrid soon as they prepare for the pre-season.

Notable Stats:

  • 19 shots faced
  • 14 saves
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