Bryan Ruiz - Gigi Buffon - Italy vs Costa Rica - World Cup 2014 (AFP)
The first half started slowly and only came to life towards the end of the period. On the half hour mark, Mario Balotelli had two chances with passes over the top, one he underhit an attempted lob, and for the second he shot straight at Keylor Navas in goal.
Costa Rica then came back into the match, when Christian Bolanos’ shot was tipped away by Gianluigi Buffon - who failed to convince with any high ball, and might be coming to the end of his career on this evidence - and were denied a clear penalty when Giorgio Chiellini barged over Joel Campbell. Protests would have been certain at half-time had Junior Diaz not sent in a cross to the back post for Bryan Ruiz, straining to reach it, to head just over the line off the bar.
In the second half, despite three substitutions before the 71st minute, Italy were oddly lethargic. Gone was the creativity of Pirlo and the presence of Balotelli, instead they played like they were devoid of ambition and imagination. It provokes the theory, perhaps Uruguay and Italy are no good - England just make it look like they are.
As a result, Italy are not yet assured of qualification and play Uruguay to decide, Costa Rica are through, and England are definitely out.
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