REVIEW: Costa Rica vs Italy

Los Ticos are experiencing a revolution as we speak, upsetting the Italians with a 1-0 victory and putting an end to England’s World Cup hopes. Costa Rica will be making it to the round of 16 for the first time in their World Cup history thanks to a header by Bryan Ruiz. Despite being huge underdogs of defeating the European giants, Costa Rica impressed from start to finish and did not look to get dominated. The two teams were statistically even although Italy held 61% of possession as Costa Rica took 11 shots (five at goal) while Italy attempted 10 with four at goal.

In the 43rd minute, Costa Rica felt they were robbed of an attempt at goal as Joel Campbell was brought down in the penalty box by Giorgio Chiellini. Denied of a potential lead, Costa Rica finally saw the fruits of their labor a minute later when Junior Diaz found Bryan Ruiz off a corner who then headed in the only goal of the match.

Ruiz celebrates his header in the 44th minute

Los Ticos surely frustrated the Italians defensively throughout the match, leaving Balotelli isolated and denying him any entry pass in the box. However, the AC Milan striker almost gave Italy the opening goal in the 33rd minute when he receive a lob pass from Andrea Pirlo in the box and flicked a shot over the keeper. Unfortunately his attempt landed wide of the post.

Super Mario almost had another crack at goal a minute later when he received a flick pass off Thiago Motta’s head in the box and attempted a volley shot, but the ball went straight at the keeper.

In the second half, Costa Rica shored up their defense and looked for opportunities to counter as the Italians deliberately played crosses and through balls into the box. Los Ticos looked sharp as they denied Italy of any clear-cut chances at goal. As Costa Rica successfully defended Italy’s uncreative attack, the checkmate became inevitable towards the final whistle as Los Ticos secured their upset.

Italy will look to redeem themselves in a must-win match against Luis Suarez and Uruguay with elimination on the line. Costa Rica in the meantime can rest easy and play England to a draw to secure a first place finish and an easy matchup in the round of 16.

Man of the Match

It’s tempting to award Bryan Ruiz the award for scoring the goal, but respect must be handed down to Giancarlo Gonzalez. Regardless of whether Ruiz was going to score that header or not, Costa Rica would have been impressive with a gritty 0-0 draw. Either way, Costa Rica secured their three points thanks to the marvelous play of Gonzalez who kept Italy’s offense, including Pirlo, at bay while sparking counter-attacking opportunities on the offensive end. Without Gonzalez, the Italian offense would not have been as frustrated as they have been throughout the match.

"Player RatingsCosta RicaNavas 8.0 – Strong performance as he prevented goals from the likes of Balotelli and PirloDiaz 7.5 – Was having a strong performance until Cerci came into the game. From there, he looked like he was having trouble.Duarte 7.5 – His job was to shut down Balotelli. I say he did his job well.Gamboa 7.0 – Nothing much to do as Italy rarely went to the right.Gonzalez 8.0 – Played out of his mind on the defensive end.Umana 7.5- Formed a strong partnership with DuarteTejeda 6.5 – Played like a wild horse. He did frustrated Italy as he screened the defense, but had his share of careless mistakes.Bolanos 8.0 – Made sharp passes and linked well with his teammates. Caused enough problems at the Italian defense.Borges 7.0 – Had a quiet game, but was not entirely invisible as his passing provided a spark on Costa Rica’s offense.Campbell 7.0 – Made a share of dangerous runs off and on the ball, but ultimately could not get a dangerous shot off. Still proved to be a menace.Ruiz 7.5 – Along with his game-winning goal, his playmaking proved to be problematic towards the Italians.SubstitutesCubero 6.5 – Clocked in a decent amount of work in the midfield to keep Costa Rica’s momentum going.Brenes 6.0 – Brought on to be a menace up top and waste time. Did his job well in the final 10 minutes.Urena 5.5 – Wasteful in his opportunities.ItalyBuffon 7.5 – Did what he could to keep Italy in the match, but he couldn’t do anything about Ruiz’s goalChiellini 5.0 – Uncharacteristically awful game from the Italian defender. Could have given Costa Rica a 2-0 victory if the referee called his foul on Campbell.Darmian 6.0 – Did not have much to do, considering that he rarely had a chance to flash his defensive prowess. Did help Italy move the ball forward though.Abate 5.5 – Was constantly exposed on the defensive end.Barzagli 5.5 – Looked shaky throughout the match, especially when Costa Rica countered.Thiago Motta 5.5 – Wasn’t terrible, but he wasn’t great, which is still a bad thing.Pirlo 6.5 – Made some brilliant plays in the first half but drifted to obscurity in the second.Marchisio 6.0 – Worked to move the ball forward, but like Pirlo he disappeared as well.Candreva 4.0 – Failed to link well with teammates on offense.De Rossi 5.5 – Was invisibleBalotelli 5.5 – Looked frustrated as the match progressed, leading to sloppier runs and attempt at goal.SubstitutesCerci 5.5 – Energetic start that ultimately led to nothingInsigne 5.5 – Shut down by Costa Rica’s defenseCassano 5.5 – Was supposed to provide a spark on offense, but he failed to make an impact"

Tweets of the Match