Game # 24 - Italy vs Costa Rica

[catalyst2]

Well, that was not the result that I expected at all! Costa Rica really are turning out to be the surprise package of the tournament. Even more surprising, they really deserved to win this game. They shared the shots/shots on goal stat with Italy and got slight more corners. The Italians did dominate possession but much of that was in their own half. Where it really counted, Costa Rica were the better team in attack and particularly in the last third of the pitch. The only goal of the game was scored just before half time and Italy looked so shocked that it was hard to see them recover. Balotelli, Pirlo and Cassano (once he got subbed on) tried hard but it was not their day. Stunning result that sees Costa Rica definitely through, England definitely out and Italy/Uruguay left to tussle it out in the next match. At least their fate is in their own hands. If it is a draw, Italy will go through on superior goal difference so Uruguay simply have to win to go through. Should be a great game.

Comments

[rua1412.livejournal.com]

I'm still crying because of it... sob!

[catalyst2.livejournal.com]

At least they are still in with a chance - England are already gone! Could be a very tough game against Uruguay though because they just have to win to get through but Italy can draw and still be OK.