Costa coach pays tribute to Chinese spirit
Costa Rica coach Alexander Guimaraes paid tribute to China’s battling performance after his side’s 2-0 win in Gwangju.
Second-half goals from Ronald Gomez (61) and Mauricio Wright (65) ensured a winning start to Group C for the Costa Ricans.
But Guimaraes was impressed by China, making their World Cup debut.
‘‘I think it was a very hard game for us. We knew China were strong and well organised but we had our chances and took them.
‘‘We’ve started very well and at the moment we are very happy but we have two tough games to come.’’
Guimaraes also paid tribute to China coach Bora Milutinovic, who is coaching his fifth country at a World Cup finals.
‘‘He is a coach that I admire so much,’’ said Guimaraes. ‘‘I have learnt so much about his feeling for the game.
‘‘I’m very happy to play against his team and proud to have won.’’
Milutinovic said: ‘‘It’s the fifth World Cup for me and it’s a special feeling to be here with China.
‘‘Of course we would have liked to start with a win but we have two more games and who knows what will happen.’’
