Costa Rica through to knock-out stage
by Ben Smith, BBC sport at Arena Pernambuco
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Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica celebrates his goal in the first half
which gave his side a 1 – nil win over Italy in the World Cup
football match.
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Costa Rica produced their second stunning upset in a week to beat a
poor Italy side and confirm England’s exit from the 2014 World Cup.
Costa Rica won 1 - nil
The Central Americans fully warranted their win at Arena Pernambuco,
which was sealed by a Bryan Ruiz header shortly before half-time.
The Fulham striker’s effort hit the crossbar and bounced over the
line, with goalline technology confirming the decision.
The result proved Costa Rica’s victory over Uruguay in Fortaleza had
been no fluke, and they might have won more comfortably had they been
awarded a penalty when Arsenal striker Joel Campbell was clearly fouled
in the area.
Italy were a shadow of the side that beat England in Manaus, and drop
into second place in Group D, behind Costa Rica. Uruguay are third on
goal difference.
The result confirmed what England had feared after Thursday’s 2-1
defeat by Uruguay in Sao Paulo, and means Roy Hodgson’s side will be
eliminated whatever the result against Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte on
Tuesday. |
