Costa Rica shock Italy 1-0 at half-time
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Giant killers Costa Rica on the stroke of half-time hit in a stunning header to lead the mighty Italy 1-0 in Group D.
A cross from Junior Dias was firmly thumped into the roof of the net by Bryan Ruiz that sent Costa Rica fans and the football world into a frenzy.
The goal came as vindication for a penalty not given moments before when Joel Campbell was pulled down in the box by Giorgio Chiellini with the goal in his sight.
Earlier, Costa Rica started positively pushing back the Italians but the Azzures came into their own midway the half.
Italy surely had their moments; Mario Balotelli muffed a simple chance in the 31st minute, kicking wide with only an onrushing Costa Rica goalkeeper Navas to beat.
Moments later Navas again denied Balotelli, blocking a powerful shot from the edge of the 18-yard box.
Costa Rica defeated Uruguay 3-1 in their opening match.
