Italy v Costa Rica, 20 June 2014

Kick-off 1.00pm local (5.00pm BST) England and Italy expected the Azzurri to do their duty, but they got off to an awful start, with Abate being especially lazy and inaccurate in his passing in the opening minutes. Italy gradually took control of the game, which given the heat was played at a slow pace. However, they failed to make many opportunities. On the half hour mark a great ball by Pirlo to Balotelli should have led to a goal. On 43 minutes, Campbell went through on goal but was brought down in the area. A clear penalty, but the officials waved play on. Shortly afterwards Ruiz put Costa Rica ahead with a header at the near post. After half time Italy failed to impress, passes going astray and the attackers repeatedly flagged off-side, whilst Costa Rica pressed Italy hard, restricting chances and looking the more likely to score. An historical and well-deserved win for Costa Rica who become the first team through from a group including England, Italy and Uruguay. It also meant England were eliminated from the World Cup finals at a group stage for the first time since 1958.