2) Italy 0-1 Uruguay (Group D)
Despite Italy slipping to Costa Rica, they had shown plenty of quality in their win over England that suggested they could still be a force in this competition. However, they came up against a stubborn Uruguay side in their final game and, needing only a draw to go through, perhaps didn’t put enough effort in to going for the win as they gave their opponents momentum to spring a shock result. Of course, Uruguay are a good side with some high-profile names such as Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and match-winner Diego Godin, but few would’ve expected them to go through after their defeat to Costa Rica in their opening game, with two great wins over England and Italy secured by late goals displaying some highly impressive grit and character. The result put Italy out at the group stages for the second World Cup in a row, a disaster for Cesare Prandelli’s star-studded side.
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