Uruguay knock out Italy
June 24, 2014
With one team qualifying for the knock-out round of the World Cup and the other heading home, both Italy and Uruguay were mindful not to concede an early goal on Tuesday. The result was a first half almost devoid of highlights.
In the 33rd minute, Uruguayan superstar Luis Suarez combined with Nicolas Lodeiro to draw a savvy save from Gianluigi Buffon, but that was the Celeste's best chance. Ten minutes earlier, Mario Balotelli channeled Australian rules football, earning himself a yellow card that easily could have been much worse. Italy's enfant terrible was subbed out at halftime for his own protection - and that of Uruguay.
Highlights were also few and far between in the second half until the hour mark. Claudio Marchisio was given a straight red card for stamping Egidio Arevalo Rios' calf. It was a harsh decision, but Uruguayans were happy with their man advantage.
Only six minutes later Suarez found a way through Italy back line, but Buffon got down excellently to stop El Pistelero's hard low shot. Italy defended furiously, knowing a draw would send them through to the next round.
The match took a turn for the absurd ten minutes from time, when Suarez appeared to bite Giorgio Chiellini in the box. The referee failed to see the confrontation. Italy - and particularly Chiellini - were livid.
But just two minutes later, Diego Godin crisply headed in a corner to put La Celeste in front. Short-handed Italy were unable to find an equalizer.
The 1-0 win means Uruguay finished second in Group D and will now face the winner of Group C in the round of 16, although FIFA may well ban Suarez.
In the other early match, Costa Rica sealed top spot in Group D with a goalless draw against England. The result capped a remarkable run for the underdog Ticos. They now face the second-placed team from Group C.