2014 FIFA World Cup: Ticos Knock Off Azzurri, Advance To K; Ecuador Top Honduras

Three games were played in Brazil as group-stage action in the FIFA World Cup continued on Friday.

Group D:

At Recife:

Bryan Ruiz (that's him celebrating) scored the only goal of the match in the 44th minute as Costa Rica clinched a berth in the knockout stage following their 1-0 upset victory over Italy.  The Ticos' win knocked England out of the tournament.

Getty Images photo

GROUP D STANDINGS:

1. x-Costa Rica (GP: 2; GD: +3; PTS: 6)
2.     Italy (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 3)
3.     Uruguay (GP: 2; GD: -1; PTS: 3)
4.  z-England (GP: 2; GD: -2; PTS: 0)

x-Advanced to knockout stage

z-Eliminated from tournament



Group E:

At Salvador:

Five different goal scorers each tallied once, with Matthieu Valbuena scoring what proved to be the game winner in the 40th minute as France dominated Switzerland 5-2.  Seen here are the happy Bleus celebrating their dominating victory.

Getty Images photo

At Curitiba:

Enner Valencia (that's him celebrating here) scored twice (34', 65') as Ecuador defeated Honduras 2-1 in come-from-behind fashion as both teams remained alive in the race for a knockout-stage berth.

Getty Images photo

GROUP E STANDINGS:

1. France (GP: 2; GD: +6; PTS: 6)
2. Ecuador (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 3)
3. Switzerland (GP: 2; GD: -2; PTS: 3)
4. Honduras (GP: 2; GD: -4; PTS: 0)