FIFA World Cup Preview: Costa Rica Wary of Greek Catenaccio

Costa Rica are determined to score first when they tackle Greece in the World Cup last 16 in Recife on Sunday. (Fixtures)

Greece have developed a reputation over the years of being extremely hard to break down, particularly if they take the lead.

They have almost perfected the classic Italian system of catenaccio (bolt-lock) in which teams would play in an ultra defensive way and hope to score a single goal on the counter-attack to take a lead they would then defend.

And Los Ticos technical assistant Luis Marin said his team need to score early to prevent Greece from taking the lead and then shutting up shop.

"It's crucial for us to score early in the game, especially as Greece are known to tighten up at the back once they score," said Marin.

"But we know it's going to be a tough game all round. Although they lost to Colombia (3-0), the goals they conceded were down to simple mistakes. Greece are also potent on the counter-attack."

He added: "Penalties could play a role at some point. They are a part of the game and although we hope it doesn't happen, we have to prepare for every scenario.

"We've been practising shooting from the penalty spot."

Costa Rica emerged as one of the form teams of the group stages, stunning Uruguay and then Italy before drawing with England to finish top of Group D.

Greece only just squeezed into the knockout round by the skin of their teeth, Giorgios Samaras converting a late penalty to hand Fernando Santos's men a decisive 2-1 win over Ivory Coast to book their first ever last 16 appearance. It was only Greece's second goal in three matches.

Having steered Greece to their first ever appearance in the knockout stages, Santos said unfancied Costa Rica would be a force to be reckoned with.

"We have to pay a lot of attention to this game, they came out top in the 'Group of Death'. As a result we can't afford to underestimate them," said the Portuguese.

As well as their potent attack, Costa Rica can boast a tight defence -- having conceded just once, to an Edinson Cavani penalty during their 3-1 defeat of Uruguay, in the tournament so far.

"If we have a good point, it's our defensive system, which isn't just the four or five defenders," said coach Jorge Luis Pinto.

"Our defence is balanced, tough and very efficient."

Given the flair with which Costa Rica sailed through Group D, they should start as favourites at the Arena Pernambuco -- where they stunned a lifeless Italy 1-0 last week.

But if Greece progress, the country's federation bosses will need to look for a quick-fix solution to keep Santos on board for a few extra days.

Santos's contract runs out the day after the last 16 clash, and the trained electrical engineer has no intention of having it renewed come what may. (In pics: Many colours of FIFA World Cup)