Costa Rica does it again. With a gritty performance and a clear strategy that they executed for perfection, los Ticos have gone clear on top of one of the tournament’s most difficult groups and guaranteed themselves a spot in the knock-out rounds.
In a group with Italy, England and Uruguay, it would have been considered folly to predict that Costa Rica would be on top of the bracket after two matches, but there it is.
The Italian coach, Cesare Prandelli, said before the match that he expected his players to suffer, but he was referring to the weather, not their performance.
The Italians suffered from poor passing, lack of imagination and simply a lack of will. They were caught offside 11 times, evidence of their failure to adjust and adapt.
They came out flat and in the first 45 minutes there were only two clear chances on goal, both from Balotelli. He could not capitalize on either.
The first half ended with what appears to have been a blown call by the referee, who did not grant a penalty after the Costa Rican forward, Campbell, was taken down in the box. But only moments later, Ruiz rose to meet a lovely cross from Diaz to put his team ahead.
The Azzurri started the second half with a bit more energy but then faded once again.
The Costa Ricans were able to neutralize Pirlo in the midfield. The Italian playmaker was never given time or space to create and was essentially taken out of the match.
Balotelli’s only contribution was a fit of anger that earned him a yellow card.
And it was not just the Italians who suffered.
English fans around the world had been counting on Italy to keep their hopes alive. This was not the result they wanted but it was a deserved outcome for the Costa Rican squad, who continue to impress.
