RECIFE, Brazil (AP) — Costa Rica followed up their surprise win over Uruguay with another World Cup stunner on Friday, beating four-time champion Italy 1-0 to secure a spot in the next round and eliminate England in the process.
Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz gave his side the lead in the 44th minute, heading in off the underside of the crossbar following a cross from Junior Diaz. Goal-line technology was used to confirm the goal.
There was a frenetic end to the first half, as moments before Ruiz’s goal Costa Rica had a penalty appeal waved away when striker Joel Campbell went down in the area under a challenge from Giorgio Chiellini.
Costa Rica lead Group D with six points, while Italy and Uruguay have three each before Tuesday’s showdown. England have zero points.
Group D Standings
Win
Loss
Draw
Goals For
Goals Against
Points
Costa Rica
2
0
0
4
1
6
Italy
1
1
0
2
2
3
Uraguay
1
1
0
3
4
3
England
0
2
0
2
4
0
Schedule and Results
Saturday, June 14
Costa Rica 3, Uruguay 1
Italy 2, England 1
Thursday, June 19
Uruguay 2, England 1
Friday, June 20
Costa Rica 1, Italy 0
Tuesday, June 24
Noon: Italy vs Uruguay at Estadio das Dunas, Natal
Noon: Costa Rica vs England at Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte
