GROUP D

Costa Rica’s fine achievement of finishing top of this Group was overshadowed by Luis Suarez’s bewildering antics during Uruguay’s clash with Italy.

Uruguay 1-0 Italy

Four-time world champions Italy were eliminated after they were sunk by Diego Godin’s late winner and Luis Suarez’s teeth in Natal.

The Azzurri had been reduced to 10 men after the Mexican referee sent-off Claudio Marchisio for a lunge on Egidio Arevalo.

Despite Italian protests, replays confirmed that the referee made the correct decision as Arevalo endured the full force of the Juventus midfielder’s studs around his shin.

The Italians were understandably incensed further when Luis Suarez appeared to bite Giorgio Chiellini, moments before Godin scored what materialised to be the winner, with the referee taking no action.

The Uruguayan forward’s act of lunacy stole the limelight on what should have been recognised as a brilliant comeback from Los Charrúas. Having lost their opening match of the group, they went on to claim crucial wins over European heavy hitters Italy and England.

England 0-0 Costa Rica

The Three Lions meanwhile exited the tournament with a whimper as Roy Hodgson rung numerous changes to no avail as his side played out a dreary scoreless draw in Belo Horizonte.

While England travel back across the Atlantic with a solitary point from three games, Costa Rica have impressed with their high tempo and committed football to comfortably finish top of Group D.

FINAL GROUP D STANDINGS

Source: BBC

SECOND ROUND FIXTURES

– Uruguay vs Colombia – Saturday 28th June (9pm GMT)

– Costa Rica vs Greece – Sunday 29th June (9pm GMT)

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