Greece’s hopes of extending Fernando Santos’ stay as national team manager came to an end after they were knocked out of the World Cup 2014 at the last 16 stage. They were defeated by Costa Rica, who are turning out to be the story of the tournament so far. Greece and Costa Rica played out a 1-1 draw, which saw the match going to extra time and then into penalties. Despite playing against 10 men, Greece were unable to take the lead. After having taken the match into penalties, Costa Rica were confident of creating an upset.

They did it to perfection after Theofanis Gekas’ poor penalty was saved by Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who has been one of the best performers in the World Cup so far. As a result, Greece have been approved of the World Cup. It also brings Santos’ reign at the national team that started a few years ago. Santos announced before the World Cup that he would not be staying on as the manager after the World Cup. He goes out on a high after having helped Greece reach the knockout stages of the World Cup tournament for the first time in their history.

Still, Santos was disappointed with the fact that their exit came through penalties against a team with lesser players.

"I don't really like talking about luck or lack of luck. Costa Rica won, they were obviously happier. Obviously it can always go one side or another and it went to Costa Rica's, therefore they won and they go on. For that, they have to be congratulated. 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,” said the Greece manager, who is yet to reveal his next destination.