0' An important game for both sides here, each taking 3 in their opener and neither will want to enter their final group stage match still needing points. English fans with a rooting interest as well, as anything aside from a Costa Rica loss sees them out. The Italians playing very well in their opener, and Costa Rica will have a touch match ahead of them. Buffon back in goal as well for the Italians, and they are one of the few powerhouse teams to live up to expectations thus far, and will aim to continue to do so.
8' Well its nearly an opening goal for Costa Rica off a corner kick. Buffon indecisive and doesnt come out strong enough, but the header not on target. Italy with the majority of possession thus far, but Costa Rica defending well and even looking somewhat threatening on the counter.
25' Costa Rican defense holding steady, and Italy unable to crack them for a good scoring opportunity. A very tame match thus far, with the bulk of play in midfield, where the Italians do have more of the possession, but Costa Rica not giving way yet. No good counter attack opportunities for them either, and this is in start contrast to the flurry of goals we've seen in other games. Both teams defending well.
31' Its nearly a goal for Balotelli, a beautiful through ball in past the high line of the Costa Rican defense. Balotelli tries to chip the keeper but its a poor effort and isn't on target. Nearly a goal, but an excellent run by Balotelli. And a minute later its nearly another for Balotelli. Another run in past the high line of the defense, and this time he sends in a blast from the top of the box but Navas, the Costa Rican keeper, able to collect the ball. A great save, but its starting to look like the Italians have solved the Costa Rican defense and have their timed runs down.
42' Joel Campbell making a run for Costa Rica and he gets taken down in the box, the referee choosing not to award the penalty kick in somewhat controversial fashion. Some good chances for Costa Rica on two corners, but the only shots on goal have been easily handled, and unlucky a few times for sending a few chances wide.
45' Right before the half its Costa Rica that take the lead! A beautiful cross finds Ruiz in space on the far post, and he beats Buffon with a header into the cross bar. The ball bounces on the ground and comes back out, a la England v Germany from four years ago, but Goalline technology coming to the rescue in this tournament, and the goal correctly given. Costa Rica will feel that is just for the disallowed penalty, and Italy will need to come out in the second half with some urgency.
53' Italy testing the Costa Rican keeper. A good free kick by Pirlo and a powerful shot from outside the box by de Rossi saved well. Italy coming on strong though, and still plenty of time left, but the Costa Rican defense doing an excellent job of maintaining a high line and the offside trap seems to be working thus far.
76' Italy unable to crack the Costa Rican defense, and they are holding good form as the Italians begin to play with a little frustration. The high line of Costa Rica shrinking play to a small portion of the midfield, and Italy unable to find space with everyone so bunched up. Uruguay will be cheering on Costa Rica for a second goal, as that would mean they only need a tie against Italy to move on.
Final' Well its hard to believe, the Italians have fallen to Costa Rica, and for the first time in their history Costa Rica will be going through to the knockout round, and from a group of no less than 3 footballing giants. Italy won't be too bothered by it, a draw in their final match sees them through as well. But unable to crack the tough Costa Rican defense today. Costa Rica doing a phenomenal job stymieing the Italian attack. Phenomenal play, and one can only think that the hex against European teams in World Cups hosted in the americas is a very real thing. A wonderful match, and nothing to do but congratulate the Costa Ricans. If they continue to play like this, they will be tough to score against.
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