Costa Rica stun Italy, France crush Switzerland

Monday, 23 June 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Another European soccer heavyweight fell to Latin American opposition on Friday as Costa Rica shocked Italy 1-0, putting the four-times champions’ qualification in doubt, but France thumped Switzerland 5-2 in an imperious World Cup display. After yet another upset in Brazil, Costa Rica’s win put them top of Group D and eliminated England, while Italy and Uruguay must now fight it out for the other qualification spot when they meet in Natal on Tuesday. In the Friday’s third game, goals in each half from striker Enner Valencia gave Ecuador a 2-1 win over Honduras in World Cup Group E to boost their hopes of making the last 16. France top the group with six points, while Ecuador and Switzerland each have three. Honduras have now lost twice and are facing likely elimination.

Uruguay received a boost on Friday, after it was confirmed that Luis Suarez would be fit to face Italy in a game the South Americans must win to qualify. The forward scored both goals in the 2-1 victory over England on Thursday. That will add to concerns for Italy after they were humbled by Costa Rica with the central Americans putting in another impressive performance after earlier defeating Uruguay 3-1. There was no upset in the second match, with France beating Switzerland 5-2 in Salvador in an entertaining, end-to-end game full of chances that made great viewing for the neutral. For Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld it was an altogether more painful experience as he watched his defence torn apart by wave after wave of attacks from France’s forward line. The emphatic win continued France’s World Cup rehabilitation as they seek to bury the ghosts of four years ago, when a player revolt left their reputation stained. Coach Didier Deschamps likened the team spirit to that of 16 years ago when he played in the France side that won the World Cup on home soil.