Italy vs Uruguay, Highlights: Diego Godin Takes Uruguay to World Cup 2014's Last 16, Italy Crash Out
Diego Godin's goal helped Uruguay defeat Italy 1-0 as they booked their place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup. In what was an ill-tempered match, the 2006 champions were reduced to 10 men.
Uruguay defeated Italy 1-0 to reach the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup. Catch all the highlights from the match here. (Matchcentre)
23:27 IST: The final whistle took some time coming and after almost a minute past due time, the referee called time on the game. Uruguay beat Italy 1-0 to qualify for the last 16. Four time champions Italy were knocked out of the first round of the World Cup for the second successive edition. Back in 2010, when they were the defending champs, Italy were knocked out of the first half in South Africa.
23:22 IST: Meanwhile, England have ended their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica.
23:09 IST: GOAL! Diego Godin takes Uruguay ahead in the 81st minute to bring his side closer to a last 16 spot. Italy are shattered.
23:08 IST: Boorish behaviour from Suarez in the 80th minute.
23:07 IST: About 11 minutes of normal time left in the game. 0-0 will see Italy through to the last 16. Uruguay need to find some inspiration from somewhere. Suarez is their best bed.
Buffon has been heroic for Italy, making some great saves.
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22:55 IST: Buffon has been sensational for Italy; the legendary goalkeeper makes another great save as the combination of Cavani and Suarez was thwarted in the 66th minute.
22:48 IST: RED CARD in the 59th minute for Claudio Marchisio and Italy are one man down in this all important game. He fouled Egidio Arevalo Rios, bringing the Uruguayan midfielder down. Italy protested but the referee is in no mood to listen and he can't change his decision.
22:44 IST: Marco Parolo entered the Uruguayan box but he was thwarted by some good defence as both teams still struggled to find their opening goals.
22:34 IST: Italy have replaced Balotelli with Marco Parolo after the break. Uruguay meanwhile will know that they have to attack hard.
22:18 IST: Italy and Uruguay have played out a goalless first half. The Italians would not mind as a draw is enough to take them through to the next round. Uruguay will have to fight harder once play resumes. Both sides have been keen on defence but unlike Italy, Uruguay cannot afford to do that.
22:03 IST: Even as Suarez tried to explode into the Italian half, Balotelli took another blow; Uruguay have been constantly targeting him in an attempt to wind him up.
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22:03 IST: A spectacular save by Buffon stops Suarez from scoring in the 33rd minute after the star striker tore into Italy's penalty area with the intention to shoot. It is still 0-0.
21:53 IST: Mario Balotelli picked up a yellow card in the 23rd minute for a foul and he will miss Italy's next game in case they qualify for the last 16.
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21:45 IST: If Italy lose, this will be certainly Pirlo's last World Cup match, possibly the last ever for his country. But he continues to be the most respected Italian footballer today and when the fans chanced upon his girlfriend, there was plenty of buzz around her.
21:44 IST: After 14 minutes, Italy have had 67% of the ball possession while Uruguay have had 33%. Could it only be a matter of time before Suarez explodes?
21:40 IST: Meanwhile, Costa Rica are up against England in an effort to finish on top of Group D. England are already out. Who would have thought that Costa Rica would comfortably sail through to the last 16, leaving two erstwhile world champions to slug it out for the second spot. Here's where you can follow all the match highlights.
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21:38 IST: Suarez was too forceful on that occasion in the ninth minute to try and win the ball but the referee made a call. Good one too.
21:36 IST: After six minutes into the game, it's still goalless. There have been a fair few fouls but nothing very serious yet.
21:30 IST: National anthems done. So who will bow out of the World Cup today? Italy or Uruguay?
21:15 IST: How Cavani and Suarez play for Uruguay will be crucial. If this strike force plays true to form, Italy will be under severe pressure.
21:00 IST: Luis Suarez starting. Uruguay will stick with the same side that beat England 2-1. For Italy, veterans Pirlo and Buffon will take the field as they look for at least a draw to move to the next round.
20:48 IST: Costa Rica have already qualified from Group D and it is now a direct tussle between 2006 champs Italy and Uruguay. Once again, the difference could be Suarez, who came into his own against England, slamming two goals.
20:36 IST: Uruguay have the edge over Italy in head-to-head contests. Out of nine matches played between the two teams, Uruguay have won three, while Italy have won two. Four have been drawn. In this all-important game, will the slight edge help Luis Suarez and Co?
Thanks to their superior goal difference, Italy will need only a draw as they take on Uruguay, to make it to the last 16. However, Uruguay are looking for a win, as the FIFA World Cup heads towards the knockout stages. Italy have plenty of experience but with Luis Suarez raring to go, Uruguay will be dangerous opponents with so much at stake.
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'In or Out', Italy and Uruguay Tussle to Advance
Luis Suarez and Uruguay are full of momentum after beating England.
Mario Balotelli and Italy are struggling to recover after a draining loss to Costa Rica.
Two teams in completely different states - both mentally and physically - meet Tuesday and only one of them will advance to the second round of the World Cup. (Read full story)
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Winner Takes All for Italy-Uruguay, Curtains for England
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Italy's Pirlo Focussed on Beating Uruguay, Not International Retirement
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Luis Suarez Says Knee 'Perfect' Before Crunch Italy Match
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez says his surgically repaired left knee feels "perfect" before facing Italy in a match that Uruguay must win to advance beyond the group stage at the World Cup. (Read full story)