Italy versus Costa Rica

ITALY versus COSTA RICA- A dreaded English dream

The 2-1 win over England in the first round of Group D matches has put Italy in a very strong position to qualify the second round of the world cup. Italy will not take Costa Rica lightly and succeed to qualify to the next round if England avoid a loss in their game against Uruguay and also if Italy win this game. Italy broke their 7 year long jinx of not winning a game by beating England on Saturday.

 On the other hand was Costa Rica. Considered to be the underdogs of the tournament, they made their mark with their commendable win over Uruguay, where they beat them by 3-1. Italians defeated Costa Rica only 1-0 only once in a game that came ahead of the World cup in United States in 1994. Seems like Costa Rica took sweet revenge in today’s match.

Costa Rica didnt have much to lose in their next 2 games. They know a win in either pretty much takes them through, and a draw here would eliminate England – their next opponent.  They upset the odds, beating the Italians 1-0 after a 44th minute header by captain Bryan Ruiz.

After the goal Italy strugged and slogged hard through out the match. But could definitely not catch up. It was more of a wild goose chase. And in the end it was a shocking result. Costa Rica emerged out to be the winner, surprising millions of fans all over the world.

England looked  likely to be eliminated early after last night's defeat due to a double whammy  by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.  It is  the first time since 1958 that England have been knocked out in the tournament's group stage.  Around the country, gathered fans watched in horror as Uruguay all but ended England's dream with a 2-1 win. Millions of football fans, viewers, and audiences came to a stand still. England were now dependant on Italy to to them a favour and direct chances of them qualifying further.

It’s over too soon for England. A 2-1 loss to Uruguay in Sao Paolo coupled with Costa Rica’s win over Italy led to England being out of the world cup even before they could make it to the third round of the tournament.

England was pulled back with a shaky defense, a soft midfield underbelly and lack of team decisiveness. The opposition was too good. England will try to analyze the problem as to what went wrong against Italy, and mostly Uruguay, but the story in Sao Paolo begins and ends with that man named Suarez. The game between Uruguay and England was a one man’s game. Suarez spread his magic and there was no stopping him

Also the shocking result of Costa Rica’s win over Italy, England’s last hope diminished. It was a sad state for them. Rooney’s first every world cup goal couldn’t come into much use and also Steven Gerrard’s last world cup could not reap happy results for the phenomenal player and his team.

Costa Rica’s glorious win was a dream shattering experience for England.