On This Day at the World Cup – June 20: Beginning of the End for Italy

In 2014 this was the day the clouds started to gather over Italy’s time at the World Cup.

Under the guidance of Cesare Prandelli, who took them to the final of Euro 2012, Italy had beaten England in their group opener with – on paper – easier games against Costa Rica and Uruguay to follow on their way to the knockout rounds. But it didn’t play out like that.

They had met Costa Rica only once before, in a friendly in 1994. This time the stakes were a lot higher and Italy failed to cope with the pace of their opponents while barely creating any chances.

Bryan Ruiz’s header was enough to secure a seismic victory for the Central American outfit and left Italy facing a downward spiral, needing to beat Uruguay in their final game to qualify. They didn’t.

Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon missed the victory over England with an injury but returned for the Costa Rica game. This was the fourth World Cup he played in and the fifth time he had been involved (having been with the squad at France 98 without getting on the pitch).

If you are in Turin and fancy kicking off your day at the legendary goalkeeper’s old local, we have got you covered.

Victory over the Italians meant Costa Rica qualifying for the round of 16, the first time they had achieved such a feat since 1990.  For Italy, it was the beginning of the end.