Costa Rica secured their unlikely place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a shock 1-0 victory over Italy in Recife this evening.

The only goal of the game came just before half time as Junior Diaz whipped in a fabulous cross that Bryan Ruiz nodded in off the bar at the back post.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during a famous victory for the Central Americans.

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ITALY

Goal

Gianluigi Buffon: Looked shaky under the high ball all afternoon, coming for almost every corner and usually flapping amidst a mass of bodies. Was a bit out of position for the goal, although much of that was to do with the quality of the delivery. (5/10)

Defence

Ignazio Abate: Struggled to make any real impact from right-back, with his trademark attacking runs not causing Costa Rica any problems. (5/10)

Andrea Barzagli: Looked a little susceptible to the pace of Campbell when Costa Rica attacked, but had a solid enough game. (6/10)

Giorgio Chiellini: Was a weak link in the Italian defence despite moving to his favoured central position. Was caught out of position a couple of times and was fortunate not to concede a penalty at the end of the first half. (5/10)

Matteo Darmian: Didn't have as much of an impact on the left as he did on the right against England. Threatened with one decent long-range strike in the second half, but was otherwise largely anonymous. (6/10)

Midfield

Antonio Candreva: Another who couldn't back up his performance against England with a good display today. Failed to have any effect on proceedings and was hauled off just before the hour mark. (5/10)

Andrea Pirlo: Was not given enough time or space to conduct the game as he usually does. Was still Italy's best player and the only one who looked like creating something, but Costa Rica did a good job of limiting his influence. (7/10)

Daniele De Rossi: Was also marked out of large periods of the game, and contributed to some uncharacteristically sloppy passing from the Italians, particularly early on. (6/10)

Thiago Motta: Solid enough display, but was only on for 45 minutes before he was subbed off at the break. Failed to have much of an impact. (6/10)

Claudio Marchisio: Toiled away in midfield and was moved to a more central role following Motta's departure. Also struggled to exert his influence on proceedings. (6/10)

Attack

Mario Balotelli: Missed two very good chances to give his side the lead in the first half and was a spectator after the break. Got frustrated and picked up a yellow card eventually. (5/10)

Substitutes

Antonio Cassano: Came on at half time and made a slight difference, although he failed to conjure anything up that worried the Costa Rica defence too much. (6/10)

Lorenzo Insigne: Spent most of his time offside, being penalised time and time again for having strayed. Had one effort at goal but ballooned it a long way over. Poor 30-minute cameo. (4/10)

Alessio Cerci: Also made a difference, but like Cassano was unable to add the touch of quality needed to unlock the defence. (6/10)

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COSTA RICA

Goal

Keylor Navas: Denied Balotelli in the first half when the striker probably should have scored, and made a fine fingertip stop to keep out Darmian after the break. (7/10)

Defence

Cristian Gamboa: Went about his business quietly, playing his part in a fine team effort to frustrate the Italians. (6/10)

Oscar Duarte: Made a few very good challenges and blocks to keep Italy at bay. Was also a threat from set pieces in the opposition's box. (7/10)

Giancarlo Gonzalez: Put in a couple of cracking tackles to help ward off the threat posed by Balotelli and co. Was solid at the back and did his job very well. (7/10)

Michael Umana: Another involved in the big collective effort of keeping Italy out. Played an important role in a good team defensive performance. (7/10)

Junior Diaz: Best player on the park. He was up and down the left flank all afternoon and provided a superb cross for the only goal of the game. (8/10)

Midfield

Celso Borges: Did a very good job in keeping Pirlo and De Rossi quiet in midfield. Was vital to his side's success. (8/10)

Yeltsin Tejeda: Also helped to keep Pirlo and De Rossi quiet, preventing Italy from dictating the game. Was taken off with 20 minutes remaining. (7/10)

Bryan Ruiz: Took his goal really well, planting a fine header in off the bar. Enjoyed a decent amount of success on the ball as he helped Costa Rica look threatening all game. (8/10)

Cristian Bolanos: Provided a constant threat with some wicked deliveries from set pieces. Gave able support to lone striker Campbell all game. (7/10)

Attack

Joel Campbell: A real handful who caused Italy plenty of problems at the back with his pace. Should have had a penalty towards the end of the first half having been felled by Chiellini. (7/10)

Substitutes

Jose Cubero: Came on with 20 minutes remaining and quickly picked up a booking. Provided fresh legs to help Costa Rica hold on to their lead. (6/10)

Marco Urena: Only had 15 minutes on the field and wasn't given much chance to shine with Costa Rica in defensive mode. (6/10)

Randall Brenes: Replaced Ruiz for the final 10 minutes. Had a good effort that flew narrowly wide, and provided a decent outlet in the closing stages. (6/10)

Written by
Barney Corkhill