Italy - Costa Rica

This match would decide which team would go be the first to progress from Group D. England looked on, hoping Italy would win so they still had a slim chance to qualify. Balotelli demanded two kisses from the Queen if he scored and Gary Lineker donned his Italy t shirt on BBC to show his support. Unbiased punditry at its finest.


Costa Rica started better. They played with a composure and disruption that prevented Italy from finding rhythm and discouraged Engand fans hopes of an Italian win. The Italians were flustered and couldn't cope with the Costa Rican set up. 5 strong defenders and 4 energetic midfielders controlled the game for the Central Americans.


But Balotelli broke in behind, on more than one occasion. The first time he was able to nick it over the keeper but the ball bounced to safety. The second time his volley from outside the area was well saved by the Costa Rican goalkeeper.

Balotelli grimaces after his chip

Los Ticos had chances of their own, and worried Italian captain Buffon. It was they who opened the scoring just before half time. Firstly Joel Campbell was barged off the ball in the penalty area. A blatant penalty but the referee never awarded it. Much to the outrage of commentator Robbie Savage. Justice was done though when Diaz fizzed in a tantalising cross from the left and found Fulham's Bryan Ruiz. His header crashed off the bar and into the net before bouncing out. It was over the line, and the referee awarded the goal. He then checked the goal line technology just to be sure. Tears for heroes back in the England hotel as their doom drew closer with no plans for final day.


The Costa Ricans continued to be the better team. Italy just couldn't get started. They were slow and uncreative, repeatedly playing the 'round the corner' ball to try release the uninterested Balotelli. Although they had improved on their first half performance. Balotelli was non-existent. Costa Rica began to look comfortable, Italy rarely threatened. England prayed for something from the Europeans as they stayed in bed, drifting away. It finished 1 - 0 and the underdogs of the group that no one considered qualified for the last 16. They began the World Cup 28th in the word rankings and now have easily walked into the knock out stages at either Italy or Uruguay's expense. England are out, with a game to play.

 Italy 0 - 1 Costa Rica 

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Uruguay - Costa Rica

Dark horses Uruguay and unfavoured Costa Rica kicked off Group D. Uruguay began the game without star forward and national hero Luis Suarez following a recent surgery.


The sky blues started off the better team, and showed why they were considered to be a potential surprise winner. Even without Suarez, they sliced through their underdog opponents finally taking the lead before the half hour mark. A swinging free kick from ex-Manchester United flop Diego Forlan found his captain Diego Lugano who was bundled to the ground by an overly-enthusiastic Costa Rican defender. The referee awarded a penalty and the long-haired Edison Cavani stepped up to put his team ahead. The experts locked the door on Costa Rica and wondered how many would Uruguay rack up. But football is a funny old game.


Uruguay lumbered on, the typical lazy South American attitude shone through as they rested on their laurels. Costa Rica took advantage 10 minutes into the second half. Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell, who scored against Moyes' Manchester United for Olympiakos earlier this season, scored again. His left footed volley from inside the box levelled the scoring as he wheeled off to celebrate, sucking his thumb.

Costa Rican star man, Joel Campbell celebrates his equaliser

Minutes later the little Costa Ricans had cause to celebrate again as a free kick found defender Óscar Duarte creeping in round the back. His diving header sneaked in and put the Central Americans ahead in a frantic 3 minute flurry. Suddenly things without Liverpool's Suarez didn't look so rosy as he looked on from the sidelines. He'll be chomping at the bit for his return against England on Thursday...


Costa Rica weren't finished yet as they continued to shock the world. A perfect through ball found substitute Urena who had replaced Bryan Ruiz - arguably Los Ticos' most well known player, after the retired Paolo Wanchope. Urena finished beautifully with his first touch as he nicked the ball past the onrushing Muslera to make it 3 - 1 in the 84th minute.


The Uruguians were to suffer more misery, their feisty characteristics got the better of Maxi Pereira as he scythed down Campbell in the corner. The German referee showed the bald defender a straight red card following his brutal attack on the Man Of The Match.


This result certainly spices things up in this group that also consists of England and Italy. Costa Rica could well surprise these giants of football too and slink into the last 16. Certainly the biggest shock of the tournament so far.

Uruguay 1 - 3 Costa Rica

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