There has been precious little to scare Costa Rica manager Jorge Luis Pinto so far in Brazil.
Fantastic wins over Uruguay and Italy have propelled the unfancied yet impressive South Americans into the last 16 on the crest of a wave.
Next up are England, who have limped into Belo Horizonte at their lowest ebb and gearing up for an early exit home.
Pinto though, unlike most of an English persuasion, fears a backlash. He cannot understand or even consider how Roy Hodgson’s side will exit this World Cup with nothing to show for their mediocre efforts.
“The mother of football cannot leave without any points,” said Pinto. “They must take some pride and not leave with crossed arms. I will make changes but I know they will fight.
“Confidence is always important. They seem to have a versatile team, but maybe they were taken by surprise. They have had no luck and they didn’t take their chances.”
So while the English try and examine where everything has gone wrong, the Costa Ricans are looking forward to a potential last-16 match against Colombia – the place of Pinto’s birth.
“Costa Rica has no secrets,” added Pinto. “It’s a result of work we have been doing for some time.
“I am only a coach by accident, I like players to be diligent in training. They are willing to work hard. To keep cool, especially after the Uruguay game, was tough but we did it. We are developing and are seeking excellence.
“This can have a huge impact for Costa Rican football. Getting through the group has been fantastic. Our enemies know what we have but we will be ready.
He added: “England will have a younger, futuristic team but they will have their pride and this will be an aggressive match. They have so much history but we are fighting to do things well and showing we can play good football.
“As the Mexcian songs says we haven’t got there yet. Our federation has done many things, a lot of research, mental behavior, many things and that has helped us.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Costa Rica – Joel Campbell
The young striker is set to return to Arsenal this summer after a hugely successful showing at the World Cup, so it wouldn't surprise you if he shows his Premier League quality against England.
England – Ross Barkley
The Everton playmaker is ready to be unleashed on the big stage and should play with plenty of freedom knowing that there is little on the line. His creativity and eye for goal has been sadly missed in previous games.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Costa Rica (3-4-1-2)
Navas; Duarte, Gonzalez, Miller; Gamboa, Borges, Tejeda, Diaz; Ruiz ; Brenes, Campbell
England (4-4-1-1)
Foster; Jones, Cahill, Smalling, Shaw; Milner, Lampard, Wilshere, Lallana; Barkley; Sturridge
PREDICTION
England will play for pride, while Costa Rica will top the group with a point. Entertaining score draw. 2-2.
