Bazil v NZ u17

Some people can be brilliant players, but when they play in front of huge crowds with a large following worldwide they can get so nervous and so scared of stuffing up they actually don't want to be given the ball until they have gotten used to the game (I know people who have had that). It's just a confidence issue, and maybe Costa was finding the pressure too much.

By the way, did anyone notice when he got subbed they spelt his name "Kosta"?

They've spelt it as Kosta on the FIFA site too.

Isn't that how it's spelt in Greek? Costa being English transliteration?

Costa has been recovering from a groin injuery. Apparently that is why he never played for the Nix. Maybe that is why he got subbed as well. Not on performance.

I dont think hes injured but they may have wanted to keep him for england game. And i dno its spelt with a C but i remember when we were with him his brother kept taking piss outa him caz he thinks his name started with a K caz it looked better haha but i dno. Ye i thnk the greek was is Kosta but ye. And Frankie Mac relax about him fk soo much for all this support on here for him and after one game u all saying i wonder if he should be in phoenix. Shows wat kinda fans we have on this site huh. Gd support. Gve him a chance ay.

Costa will do alright for us, it's a bit harsh to judge him one one game (and we won't be playing against  Brazil  - playing like them perhaps!)

We could have easily got 3 goals against Brazil.

We surely can get at least one past England.

yeah our defence was to blame for most of those goals. We looked good in spells and can expect alot more against England.

Looks like he's a good'un. thanks DF.

I think if you went and asked Costa what he thought of his performance he would be the first to put his hand up and say he just didnt get the job done. He obviously has the talent, he wouldn't have been one of the first signings for the Phoenix unless he was extremely talented, guys like Herbert and Serepisos just wouldn't take those sorts of risks...especially on a 17 year old. Some people are just making excuses for him, but saying things like he was playing out of position only go so far. To me although he seemed to have the presence of a guy with class too often he lacked the touch of someone of class. That penalty illustrated to me he had let the pressure overcome him somewhat, it was a really poor penalty. I would suggest 9 times out of 10 he would have buried it. Now I'm sure he isn't making excuses, and will be working incredibly hard to make sure he turns it on against England and the Koreans, I reckon he can do it. But for some of you guys to say stop bagging him is bit poor for me. The guys on here are entitled to their opinion just as you are and I'm sure some of you have been guilty of bagging Phoenix players...like Jeremy Christie for example. I'm sure their critiscism of Costa isn't personal and really I'm sure you guys would admit that on the Brazil performance it was justified. Lets just hope tommorrow all the talk on this thread is about how brilliant he is and we will hopefully forget about the Brazil performance!!

very diplomatic chiefy, i agree. as a professional footballer he'll have to take some flack but he'll be better for it. i wonder how long until this site is blocked by workplaces?

Tru owell watch him tonight mate he gnna be on fire "fingers crossed".

yo leave costa alone hes the man, and dont judge him on one game.hes a great player 4 his age and this experience is all a learning cerve which will make him even better. costa will have a better game tonight.GO BARBAROUSES

2 players I am watching tonight - Costa and Jordan Spence, the West Ham youngster captaining England. Frankie Mac2007-08-21 20:00:55

f**k.

Tommy Smith, Ipswich, NZ Schoolboys and England U-17's Farken.