Day 9 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup saw England eliminated after Costa Rica defeated Italy.
Costa Rica is quickly becoming the true dark horse of the tournament after another surprise victory, this time over European giants Italy. The sole goal came at the 44′ after Bryan Ruiz headed the ball into the net from a super cross into the box. A minute before Italy committed a foul in the box and the referee failed to call the penalty but that did not stop the Costa Rican side from beating Italy 1-0 and effectively eliminating England from the competition in what is now their earliest exit ever.
The following match was a humiliating 5-2 loss for Switzerland who could not keep with France. Following an injury in the 9′ minute Von Bergen was forced off the pitch. At the 17′ France struck the first goal with Olivier Giroud and immediately after at the 18′, Blaise Matuidi scored the second. Karim Benzema missed a penalty at the 32′ but that didn’t matter as the next goal for France came at the 40′ leaving them 3-0 at the half. Benzema would make up for his missed penalty at the 67′ as he netted in France’s 4th goal against Switzerland and the the 73′ Sissoko netted the 5th. Switzerland had appeared to give up, however at the 81′ They struck their first goal and followed up at the 87′ to make the final score 5-2, leaving France on top of the group.
The second match of the group was between Honduras and Ecuador in a must win game to stay in the race for round of 16 qualification. Honduras scored the first goal of the game at the 31′ with Carlo Costly however Ecuador struck back immediately at the 34′ with Enner Valencia. Leaving the score 1-1 at the half. The second half was tightly contested but it was Ecuador who would take the lead at the 65′ again with Valencia leaving the Ecuadorians with three valuable points and tied with Switzerland as they reach for the next stage of the World Cup.
Tomorrow’s Games:
Argentina v Iran @Noon
Germany v Ghana @3PM
Nigeria v Bosnia @6PM