Skipper Diego Godin scored a late header to guide Uruguay to the round of 16 and knock Italy out of the competition, while Costa Rica topped Group D after a goalless draw against England in Belo Horizonte.
Later in the day, Greece rode on Samaras' penalty to pull off a sensational 2-1 win over Ivory Coast and reach the second round of the World Cup for the first time, while Colombia maintained its unbeaten record and spanked Japan 4-1 in Cuiaba to drew curtains on the Asian champion's challenge in the event.
Controversial Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez found himself at the wrong side of things once again as he was at the centre of yet another biting controversy after appearing to sink his teeth into Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini's shoulder moments before Godin's scored the winner.
For the third time in his career, Suarez is facing potential punishment for appearing to bite a rival player after FIFA has ordered an inquiry into yesterday's incident.