MATCH ZONE

FEARLESS from the outset, Costa Rica swiftly went about proving their win over Uruguay was no fluke. Bright and fluid, they fairly disrupted Italy and dominated possession in a first half that brought the goal they sought and England feared. The Central Americans have scored in all but one of their past 11 World Cup matches and have never failed to find the net in the finals against a European team (Scotland included). MARIO BALOTELLI wanted a kiss on the cheek from the Queen if Italy beat Costa Rica. Instead, England kissed goodbye to their World Cups, with Mario and Co failing to come up with the goods. Balotelli squandered a gilt-edged chance in the first half after a sublime ball from Andrea Pirlo. Then, in the second period, the increasingly frustrated big man was booked for pulling down a defender.