Brazil 2014: Italy Out of World Cup, Suarez in Biting Controversy again
By Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Uruguay advanced to the Round of 16 with a 1-0 victory over Italy, who for the second consecutive World Cup, goes home after the group stage.
The South Americans’ victory was however not without controversy. Italy’s Claudio Marchisio was sent off for Italy in the second half when he was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Egidio Arevalo Rios, and the Italians had to play down a player for more than 30 minutes.
It took about 20 minutes for Uruguay to capitalize on its advantage. Captain and central defender, Diego Godin redirected a corner kick beyond Gianluigi Buffon just a minute after star striker,Luis Suarez, was engaged in a with Italy defender,Giorgio Chiellini.
The struggle for position escalated and Chiellini leaned into Suarez whose head went down to meet Chiellini’s shoulder. Chiellini jumped back and fell down, pointing to his shoulder and claiming that he had been bitten.
Suarez, who has twice been penalized in his career for biting opponents, pleaded innocence. Camera angles didn’t provide conclusive evidence but the controversy is expected to grow.