Italy vs Costa Rica
Costa Rica came into the game on top of group D, needing a win to put themselves through to the knockout stages, a tall task considering their opponents were 4-time winners Italy. A tie or a win for Costa Rica would also eliminate England from the competition in the group stages for the first time since 1958. Italy would also guarantee themselves a spot in the next round with a win. The game began, and from the get go, Costa Rica looked like they wanted it more than Italy. The Italians struggled all game to create clear cut chances, while the Ticos looked much more dangerous going forward. Italy's defensive tactics ultimately backfired when they fell behind just before the halftime interval. An absolutely perfect cross found captain Bryan Ruiz at the far post where he headed it in off the post (http://gfycat.com/InsistentCleanAustraliankestrel). The goal sent shockwaves throughout the stadium. After falling behind Italy never really threatened the Costa Rican goal. The Italians didn't come out to play positive, attacking football. They invited the Costa Rican pressure, and the Central Americans took it to them. Italy was thoroughly outplayed. The game ended with the same 1-0 scoreline, Costa Rica had followed up their biggest win in history with an even more impressive one. The small country located in Central America would be spending the day on cloud 9. The final whistle gave way to absolute euphoria from the Costa Rican fans. They were heading for the round of 16, with a good chance of topping a group that many gave them no chance of finishing anywhere but last. The Italians still have work to do. A tie or a win against Uruguay sends them through to the next round, but a loss sends them home early.
France vs Switzerland
France came into the game atop group E, ahead of the Swiss only on goal difference. Both teams won their opening matches in very different fashion. France easily defeated 10 man Honduras, while Switzerland need a goal 10 seconds from full time to beat Ecuador. This match would most likely determine who came out on top of the group. It only took 16 minutes for France to open the scoring. A corner from Valbuena was met by a towering Olivier Giroud and headed into the back of the net (http://gfycat.com/HelplessUnawareBunting). Less than a minute later, and just seconds after the restart, Blaise Matuidi doubled the French lead. A quick turnover in midfield led to a 2 on 2 counter attack. Benzema played in Matuidi whose left footed shot slid past the keeper, who probably should have saved it (http://gfycat.com/AstonishingDevotedCivet). 20 minutes later more poor defending from the Swiss led to another French goal. A long ball from Varane found Giroud, who had acres of space to run into along the left side. His unchallenged run at goal drew the goalie to the near post, and Giroud slipped the ball across the goal to an oncoming Valbuena who tapped it home (http://gfycat.com/FrayedLargeElectriceel). The French were absolutely ruthless. It took until the 67th minute for France to find a 4th. A beautifully weighted ball out of the midfield found Benzema in the box. He only needed one touch to smash the ball past the sprawling Swiss keeper (http://gfycat.com/FaroffSorrowfulAmericangoldfinch). It was Benzema's 3rd goal of the tournament. 5 minutes later the lead was 5. A ball played wide by Benzema was cooly finished by Sissoko from just inside the box (http://gfycat.com/DependableRingedHaddock). The Swiss had been routed, but they were able to manage a couple consolation goals, and they were probably the best 2 goals of the match. Too bad style doesn't get you extra points. The first goal came in the 81st minute. Dzemaili blasted a free kick from a long ways away into the side netting. The wall seemed to block the vision of Lloris who scrambled to make a save, but he couldn't preserve his clean sheet. The Swiss scored again just 7 minutes later. A ball played in over the top to Xhaka was wonderfully taken on the volley and blasted past Lloris (http://gfycat.com/AptLateGalapagostortoise). It was late and it was great from the Swiss, but it just wasn't near enough against a French side who looked like a well oiled machine. France have virtually clinched a spot in the next round, while Switzerland need a win against Honduras to give themselves a shot at advancing.
Ecuador vs Honduras
Probably the most uninteresting match of the day, no offense to any Ecuadorian or Honduran fans. The match between the bottom dwellers of group E was vital for the survival of these 2 teams. A loss would eliminate either one of them from the competition. Honduras started the game off with a bang. After 30 minutes, a long ball from the back fell kindly for Costly, whose driven shot from the top of the box beat the goalie and gave the Hondurans their first goal of the World Cup (http://gfycat.com/AgreeableTameIcelandicsheepdog). 3 minutes later the South Americans responded. A deflected shot on the top of the box caught the Honduran defense sleeping. Enner Valencia was the first to react and he slid the ball around the keeper (http://gfycat.com/AcademicAdorableArthropods). In the 65th minute the Ecuadorians found the winner. A set piece from the left side found the head of Enner Valencia who headed it in for his second goal of the match (http://gfycat.com/BossyAgedAiredaleterrier). The win effectively eliminated Honduras from the tournament and kept Ecuadorian hopes alive. Ecuador needs a win over France and some help from Honduras against Switzerland in the final round of games in order to advance.
Group D Standings
Group E Standings
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