A late Diego Godin goal gave Uruguay a lone goal win over Italy and with it, progression to the last 16 of the World Cup behind Costa Rica that played out a goalless draw with England.
Uruguay and Italy came into their final Group C encounter in Natal with three points apiece and while Uruguay needed an outright win to progress, a draw would have been enough for the Italians.
Andrea Pirlo got the first chance to break the deadlock but the Italian midfielder’s freekick was punched over by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera as Italy dominated early on.
With chances at a premium, tempers started to flare and AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli got a booking for a dangerous challenge, which will rule him out of Italy’s next competitive match.
Uruguay then threatened with Luis Suarez breaking free into the Italian goal only to be closed down by Gianluigi Buffon as Suarez got a shot away. Buffon then recovered quickly to get a hand on Edinson Cavani’s follow-up and eventually get a hold of the ball as the first half ended goalless.
The second half proved more eventful with Claudio Marchisio getting a straight red card on the hour mark for a studs-up chellenge on Jimenez.
The sending off allowed Uruguay to dominate play, with a poked shot from Suarez saved smartly by Buffon minutes later.
Suarez would then be involved in an off-the-ball incident with Giorgio Chiellini 11 minutes from time, with the Italian defender alleging he had been bit by Suarez. The referee however waved the Italian’s protest aside as both players escaped a booking.
Italy’s frustrations would be compounded two minutes later when a Suarez freekick was headed in by Godin to give Uruguay the win and a place in the second round.
As a result, Uruguay will now face the winner of Group C while Italy have now been eliminated in the first round of successive World Cups.
Costa Rica meanwhile finished top of the group unbeaten, with seven points from three matches.