The teen Australia side desperately needed a win against the South Americans to have an realistic hope of progressing in the competition after they lost 2-1 to the Czech Republic in their opening game.

But the youngsters were unable to take control of the game and went behind from a free kick early in the second half against the Costa Rica side that had lost 5-0 against Brazil just days before.

Tahj Minniecon came on as a sub midway through the half but his contribution came to a swift end just a few minutes later when he lashed out with his foot at a Costa Rican after the pair tumbled to the ground together.

The petulant act earned a straight red card dismissal - and Australia's fate was sealed.

They tried throwing everything at the Ticos in the hunt for an equaliser but a defensive mix-up on a Costa Rica counter led to an own goal by Luke De Vere who looped a header past keeper Dean Bouzanis and into the empty goal.

Costa Rica added insult to injury with a third with virtually the last kick of the game to all but eliminate Australia from the World Cup.

More to follow