Suarez bite overshadows Uruguay's progress

Diego Godin's header secured Uruguay's passage from the group at the expense of Italy but that was the game's lesser story.

It was another Luis Suarez bite, on defender Giorgio Chiellini that was the most stunning incident. 

The madness that surrounds the striker is confusing, impermeable. Why he felt the need to attack Chiellini, who was jostling with him in the box, we will never know.

A few minutes after the incident, Uruguay scored. Perhaps Italy were still in a state of shock.

A corner from Gaston Ramirez was powerfully headed into the bottom corner of the net. 

It was game over. 

Italy had nothing to offer and sloped out of the tournament with their tail between their legs.

If Suarez is retrospectively punished then Uruguay may be doing the same in the next round. 

The first half was an underwhelming affair. Italy were cautious, knowing that a draw would take them through.

Uruguay, patient, knowing that one moment of brilliance from Suarez or Edinson Cavani could earn them qualification. 

Then came a flashpoint in the second half - Claudio Marchisio's red card. 

The midfielder went in high on Arevalo Rios, planting his studs in the Uruguayan's thigh. 

Referee Marco Rodriguez dismissed the midfielder without hesitating.

A brilliant save by Gianluigi Buffon kept Suarez at bay after 65 minutes, after Edinson Cavani tried to bundle his way through.

The ball spilled to Suarez who flicked it towards goal with the outside of his right boot, but Buffon made an impressive reflex save, down to his right.

It was reminiscent of the Buffon we have known in past tournaments, a one-man brick wall keeping opponents at bay. 

Then came Suarez's moment of madness, then came Godin's winner. 

Only one of those two incidents will be being discussed tomorrow. 

Match facts

Italy: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Marchisio, De Sciglio, Verratti (Motta 75), Pirlo, Darmian, Balotelli (Parolo 46), Immobile (Cassano 71).

Sent off: Marchisio.

Uruguay: Muslera, Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, A.Pereira (Stuani 63), Gonzalez, Arevalo Rios, Rodriguez (Ramirez 78), Lodeiro (M Pereira 46), Cavani, Suarez.

Goal: Godin 81

Referee: Marco Rodriguez.