Brazil: Costa Rica continued their giant killing spree in the FIFA World Cup as they defeated four-time champions Italy 1-0 to make it to the Round of 16 in the process knocking England out of the championship.
Skipper and PSV Eindhoven striker Bryan Ruiz headed home the winner in the 44th minute as Costa Rica became the first team from group D to qualify for the knock-out round.
The win also meant curtains for England in the group which was termed as the `Group of Death` with one among the two high-profile teams between Uruguay and Italy will be bidding adieu after their final group league game.
Having shocked last edition`s semi-finalists Uruguay 3-1 in the opening encounter, Costa Rica`s win over the Azzurris was their second consecutive win over a top-10 team in the world.
The introduction of Antanio Cassano in place of Thiago Motta at the change of ends and Lorenzo Insigne in the 57th minute did make the Italians look more forceful but they failed to make decisive inroads into the Costa Rican attacking third.
With Pirlo not in his element, Balotelli didn`t get the adequate supply of assists which prompted him to frequently lose temper and was shown yellow card for argument with the referee.
Costa Ricans did make some sporadic counter attacks with the best chance came substitute Marcos Urena`s way before Chiellini`s timely interception saved Italy from conceding a second goal.
Bureau Report
Leave a Reply