Costa Rica Trounce Italy, Kill England's World Cup Hopes

In what is easily the biggest surprise of the 2014 World Cup so far, the tiny Central American nation of Costa Rica has defeated mighty Italy 1-0, and will advance to the round of 16 for the first time.

By beating both Italy and Uruguay, Costa Rica not only guaranteed its place in the knockout stage — it killed any chance that England, its next opponents, will qualify from Group D. England have not failed to advance from the group stage of the World Cup since 1958

England, twice defeated in the group so far, needed Italy to beat both Costa Rica and Uruguay, and then needed to beat Costa Rica by a margin of two goals. But based on the stunning performance Friday at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Costa Rica now seem odd-on favorites to beat England and advance from the group in first place with 9 points Read more...