Final Scoreline for Match 24:
ITALY - 0
COSTA RICA - 1
(Ruiz 44')
What a massive, massive upset!!
Before the match, the odds of winning for minnows Costa Rica over giants Italy might have been 90 to 1. As things finished in the end, they emerged as true giant-killers. Italy deserved to lose though - their play simply lacked the will to win. Their game was dreary and drab, bordering on boring. They never looked even at one instance of dominating the game. Instead it was the minnows who dominated both halves.
Balotelli's eye-rolling miss at the 32nd minute mark was basically the summation of Italy's game - in front of the open goal with even the keeper almost beaten, and he kicked the ball wide!
The 43rd minute saw another VERY controversial decision of this WC 2014, when the referee didn't award a penalty kick to Costa Rica despite a glaring foul by Italy's defenders on Campbell inside the penalty area. That egged the Costa Ricans so badly that they built up a near-perfect passing game and Ruiz thumped one home in the very next minute.
The refereeing in this WC has again fallen down to low standards, after a couple of decent matches in-between. A legitimate tackle by the Costa Rica defense saw the referee awarding Italy a non-deserving free kick. Thankfully no damages were done.
The second half proved to be more drab than the first. It seemed as if Italy has come to Brazil to enjoy a vacation, and not to play for wins. Costa Rica came close to scoring again, this time thwarted by Buffon's antics. But the minnows held on to their lead till the end, and ended up a much deserved winner than their gigantic opponents.
Italian football has really been a downer in recent times. If Italy gets knocked out soon, it won't be a surprise.
Still, credit where credit is due. Well done, Costa Rica!! You have really earned your reputation tonight of being true giant-killers. Two thumbs up!