FIFA World Cup 2014 Group D Highlights: Uruguay Vs. Italy and Costa Rica Vs. England

FIFA World Cup 2014 Brazil

Group D Match Results:

Costa Rica 0-0 England

Uruguay 1-0 Italy

Qualified: 1. Costa Rica, 2. Uruguay

England was already out coming into the last round of matches in the group stage after failing to win any points in their first two matches. They were only there to play out their farewell to the crowd in Brazil and like Spain, attempt to save face from their early exit. Costa Rica needed only a draw to become group winners and the 0-0 result gave them just that. Being the only team in the group to never have won the World Cup, Costa Rica faced the group of death where they were expected to fail. Surpringy, the South American side beat all odds and were first to advance in the group.

Italy needed only a draw to take second place in the group after Costa Rica defeated them and Uruguay. The do-or-die match between the two teams lacked intensity and looked like it would end in a draw which woud favour Italy. Diego Godin pulled out a beautiful header past a fully outstretched Gianluigi Buffon with 9 minutes left in regulation time to put Uruguay ahead. The 2006 World Cup Champions Italy were left with very little time to get an equalizer and despite their best efforts.

THe highlight of the evening aside from the goal was Luis Suarez and his controversial bite on Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. Both players fell after the incident with Suarez holding his mouth in pain and with CHiellini brandishing his shoulder to show the referee what appears to be a bite mark. FIFA has launched an investigation on the incident which could lead to a lengthy suspension for Suarez.

See full Group D Match results and standings here.