0' Final Match day in group D, and its Italy and Uruguay fighting for life to be continued in the knockout round. Italy only need the draw, Uruguay needing a win, so we anticipated a highly aggressive style of play from both teams. Costa Rica only playing for the right to play or avoid Group C winners, and a draw will see them guaranteed as the group winners, although even a loss might see them through on top depending on the score line in the other match. England will not want to go home without any points, and are playing for pride today. All attention on Italy Uruguay, and it should be another top class match from the group. Joga Bonito
15' A third of the way into each of the first halves, and good play thus far from all four teams. England showing spirit, and Sturridge creating havoc in the Costa Rica defense. Costa Rica playing very strongly in the midfield though, and having the majority of the early possession. Italy similarly with most of the possession, and perhaps some old habits flare up as on more than one occasion an Italian player has taken to ground too easily. Still no goals in either match, and all the tension in the world lying on the pitch with Italy and Uruguay still.
25' Important happenings in both match at nearly the same time. A beautiful free kick from Costa Rica clangs into the cross bar, denying what would have been a sensational goal. Balotelli drawing a yellow in the other match, but he's already on one and now will miss Italy's next match on suspension.
40' Approaching the half the pace in both games seems to have slowed. Italy almost look as if they're playing for a draw, which would be enough to see them through. Uruguay defending well, but they havent seen the ball as much as they might have liked, and need to do better in midfield. Currently they are playing up the wings, which always leaves open the chance for a dangerous cross and header, but nothing yet. Costa Rica putting on a show for their fans, with some brilliant touches in space and fanciful footwork. They know they're through and this is something of a victory lap before things get serious in the knockout round.
60' Well its nearly a goal in both games. England making some excellent runs down the sideline, but the final cross is snuffed out by the Costa Rican keeper Navas, who has had an excellent tournament thus far. A beautiful touch by Uruguay lifts the ball into the box but the striker cant put the shot on target. An excellent opportunity though. However, a minute later Marchisio sent off in a straight red, for yes perhaps a foolish challenge but perhaps underserving of a straight red. Italy will have to hold in defense for only thirty minutes more, and Uruguay would do well to use this to pick up the tempo, especially in their attacking half.
80' Admirable time wasting from the Italians, as they look to see out the game as a draw. They do have a few counter attacking opportunities, but never sending more than two men forward. However, a header by Godin off of a beautiful corner kick sees Uruguay scoring and going up, and now Italy will have to pick up the tempo and find a goal in the next ten minutes. Costa Rica and England still goalless, and the pace has slowed some. England still creating some good chances. Drama in the Uruguay Italy match though, and now Italy needing to turn it in.
Final' Heartbreak for the Italians, and perhaps they caused the damage to themselves. 80 minutes of cautious play full of time wasting and little attacking, and simply not enough time when Uruguay finally find a way to break through the cracks of the Italian defense. Italy have not missed the knockout round in consecutive world cups since 1966. England finally able to salvage a point, but its in highly undramatic fashion, and the real story is Costa Rica winning the group, and become the third CONCACAF team to win a world cup group (Mexico have done it three times, while the USA have done it twice). A phenomenal accomplishment, and they look very strong.
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