FIFA World Cup 2014: Italy vs Uruguay – Player Ratings
The stakes were high going into the game, with the winner securing a spot in the round of 16. Uruguayans were banking on their prolific scorer Luis Suarez, while the Italians were hoping for a Super Mario miracle going into their final group game. Costa Rica had already secured their spot at the top of the table, while England were busy preparing their plans for the summer after getting knocked out.
The game didn’t live up to the hype of a barrage of goals and saves, but at the end of the day, gave the fans plenty to talk about. Heroes emerged and old habits came back to haunt the players. Uruguay defeated Italy thanks to a timely header by their captain, Atletico’s Diego Godin, who led from the front to put his side in the round of 16. In this article, we analyze the performances of the players and see who the hero of the match was, and who the biggest flop was.
Italy
Gianluigi Buffon – 7/10
You have to feel for the Italian captain, who put in two great efforts in the first half to deny both Suarez and Cavani and followed it up with yet another impressive save in the second half, denying Uruguay the goal after the Italians went down to 10 men. At the age of 36, there is a good chance that he might’ve played the final world cup game of his career.
Giorgio Chiellini – 6/10
Chiellini had a great first half, keeping a tight lid on the Uruguayan offense, and was at the center of controversy in the second half, after Luis Suarez seemingly bit Chiellini. Uruguay scored from a set piece moments later that decided the fate of the match.
Leonardo Bonucci – 5/10
Probably the weakest link on the pitch for the Azzurri, as he didn’t have much impact on the game, and was caught out by Suarez on a couple of occasions.
Andrea Barzagli – 6.5/10
Barzagli had a decent outing, forming a formidable partnership with his other two Juventus teammates. He put up a solid performance in the second half, but his good work was marginally ruined by Diego Godin’s header.
Mattia De Sciglio – 6.5/10
Sciglio was relatively quiet, and had a decent game as he put in timely tackles when the Uruguayans were on the front foot, to deny them any more goals.
Claudio Marchisio – 4/10 – Flop of the match
The Juventus man struggled in the first half, but perhaps sealed Italy’s fate with a ridiculous challenge on Arevalo Rios that saw him getting a red card, reducing Italy to 10 men for the remainder of the game.
Andrea Pirlo – 7.5/10
The Juventus playmaker was relatively quiet in the first half, but grew in confidence as the game progressed. He kept the hopes alive with some dangerous free - kicks and drove his side forward during the final minutes of the game.
Marco Verratti – 6/10
Managed to get near the ball on numerous occasions in the first half, but wasn’t anywhere near his best. Was substituted in the second half after pulling up with cramps.
Matteo Darmian – 7/10
Was one of the better players on the field, and did his job effectively. He was arguably one of the more impressive players for Italy.
Ciro Immobile – 5.5/10
It was rather obvious that he had problems linking up with Balotelli, and he created a couple of good chances, but missed an easy one after he sent the ball flying into the stands when he was unmarked in the box. He had more impact on the game after Balotelli was substituted, but he was taken off for Cassano.
Mario Balotelli – 5/10
The Italians were depending on Mario Balotelli to take them through to the next round, but the AC Milan forward was rather lackluster in the first half. He was booked early in the game and had to be substituted after the first half due to an injury.
Substitutes:
Marco Parolo – 5.5/10
Didn’t have much of an impact on the game after coming in for the injured Balotelli at the start of the second half.
Thiago Motta – 6/10
Motta replaced Verratti with 15 minutes remaining in the second half, but didn’t stamp his authority on the game.
Antonio Cassano – 5.5/10
Came on for Immobile after Marchisio was sent off in the second half, and was isolated up – front.
Uruguay
Fernando Muslera – 5.5/10
Muslera didn’t have much to do in the entire game, except for saving a couple of Pirlo’s free – kicks. He had a relatively quiet game, and wasn’t as involved as he was against Costa Rica and England.
Martin Caceres – 6/10
Was effective in doing his job defensively, and looked ominous while marching forward. He linked well with Rodriguez, but apart from that didn’t influence the game a great deal.
Jose Maria Gimenez – 6.5/10
With Balotelli not having a great game, the youngster didn’t have much to do in the first half, but put in a well timed tackle in the second half to keep Immobile from scoring.
Diego Godin – 8.5/10 – Man of the match
Was easily the best player on the pitch, and showed his prowess in the air, while also defending brilliantly. Won the game for his team to take them through to the next round with a brilliant header.
Alvaro Pereira – 6/10
Was impressive defensively and moved forward with intent. He started slowing down as the game progressed, and was substituted in the second half.
Alvaro Gonzalez – 6.5/10
Didn’t do much in the first half except for a header that Buffon easily gathered, but put in an improved performance in the second half.
Egidio Arevalo Rios – 6/10
Wasn’t impressive in the first half, and his only major contribution came when Marchisio was sent off for an awful challenge on Rios in the second half of the game.
Cristian Rodriguez – 7/10
His first major role in the game was a wasted chance in the first half that could’ve put Uruguay in front. Linked well with Suarez, and was substituted in the second half.
Nicolas Lodeiro – 6.5/10
Created some chances in the first half for Suarez, but wasn’t accurate. Was substituted at half time.
Edinson Cavani – 7.5/10
Easily the best attacking player for Uruguay in the game, and was the work horse for his side during the entirety of the match.
Luis Suarez – 5.5/10
Nearly sneaked the ball into the net in the first half, but was involved in the biggest controversy of the match, after biting Chellini just moments before his side scored the winner. Might be suspended for a few games, or for the entire tournament depending upon the outcome of FIFA’s investigation.
Substitutions:
Maxi Pereira – 7/10
Looked dangerous after being introduced in the second half, and produced some dangerous crosses in the box.
Christian Stuani – 6/10
Wasn’t involved much in the game after being introduced in the second half.
Gaston Ramirez – 7/10
Ramirez came in with 12 minutes remaining in the game, and produced an outstanding chance in the corner, resulting in Godin’s header to seal the game for Uruguay.
