World Cup day 9 in pictures
June 20, 2014
Italia 1990, that was the last time Costa Rican fans could celebrate their team in the knockout phases of a World Cup. Italy stood in their way on Friday.
The Azzurri, meanwhile, had England's fate in their hands. Striker Mario Balotelli was eying a kiss from Queen Elizabeth II, should he lead the Italians to victory and keep England's hopes intact. He had one of the best chances of the first half.
Shortly before the break, the outsiders struck. Bryan Ruiz arrived unmarked and headed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Goal-line technology confirmed that the ball had crossed the line, but Ruiz already knew.
Gianluigi Buffon in the Italian goal knew it too.
For all the misery, Italy remain masters of their own destiny. A win against Uruguay in Natal on Tuesday would guarantee progression.
France knew no such dejection against the Swiss in Group E. Les Bleus scored their 100th World Cup goal early, from an Olivier Giroud header, on their way to a 5-2 rout.
Immediately after play resumed, 18 minutes in, Didier Deschamps' side doubled their lead. Blaise Matuidi provided the finish from a Karim Benzema assist.
The Bundesliga-heavy Swiss side, starring Bayern's disgrunteld midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, trailed by three at the break and looked lost at times.
Karim Benzema was the star once more, scoring one and creating two to add to his brace against Honduras.
Swiss fans were spared the largest losing margin of the World Cup thanks to a pair of late consolation goals - and their World Cup dreams remain alive despite the humbling defeat on Friday.
In a combative late game, striker Enner Valencia made the difference for Ecuador, scoring both goals to neuter the opening goal from Honduras.
To progress from Group E, Ecuador will need a better result against France on Wednesday than Switzerland manage in their game against Honduras. That could prove a tall order, but the side could celebrate three World Cup points on Friday.