It was a French masterclass on display as the Les Bleus outclassed Switzerland 5-2 in a group E clash to almost book a ticket for the pre-quarterfinals.
In the final match of the evening, Ecuador beat Honduras 2-1 to keep their qualification hopes alive.
It was a 44th minute header by skipper and PSV Eindhoven striker Bryan Ruiz which confirmed a smooth passage for the Costa Ricans into the knock-out rounds from the 'Group of Death' after having stunned Uruguay in the first match.
There are ominous signs for Uruguay and Italy as one of the two sides will also bid adieu from the preliminary stage after they lock horns in the final group league encounter.
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While Azzurris need a draw to advance on a better goal difference, Uruguay can't settle for anything less than a victory.
In the 43rd minute, Costa Rica looked like being denied a penalty when their striker Joel Campbell latched on to a ball from middle-third and sprinted down inside the box before being felled by Giorgio Chiellini but referee Enrique Osses thouight otherwise.
The first half could be divided into three distincts parts with first and last phase belonging to Costa Rica while Italy dominated for a duration during the middle phase.
The first 15 minutes belonged to Costa Rica who pressed really hard with Cristian Bolanos' inswinging corner saw Celso Borges head wide off the target despite wrong anticipation on Buffon's part.
The next 20 minutes saw Italy get into the game as their midfield artist Andrea Pirlo got into the action providing a couple of assists for Balotelli.