In a game that featured tough play and a controversial "bite" involving one of the top players in the world in Luis Suarez, Italy was eliminated in the group stage for the second straight World Cup Tuesday after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Uruguay. Here are some observations from the game:

1. Cesare Prandelli's tactics backfire

Heading into the match, the Italians only needed to acquire one point to move on to the next round. Uruguay was in need of a victory and it was expected that they would be on the attack for most of the evening. So Italy's coach Cesare Prandelli opted for the obvious tactic of sitting back and waiting to hit the South Americans on the counter; it was a far cry from the possession-heavy "Tikitalia" that the team used during its first two group games.

It was working until the team went down to 10 men. Once they conceded the eventual game-winner, the Italians attacked with wild abandon and it became clear that this team is far more effective when on the front foot than on the back pedal.

2. Lack of Discipline Kills Italy

Losing Claudio Marchisio near the end of the game was a huge blow to the defensive effort the contingent had banked on. But it was hardly surprising. Italy had been extremely physical throughout, borderline violent in some instances, and it almost seemed inevitable that a red card would be pulled out at some point. Mario Balotelli's early yellow was a clear sign of an Italian team not thinking before acting (or maybe it was just trademark Balotelli) while Mattia de Scilgio's late card was also unnecessary though not as crippling. The Balotelli card essentially left Prandelli with little choice but to take him off early. Leaving the forward on would leave the team vulnerable to another yellow and the corresponding red; it did not matter.

3. Luis Suarez strikes again, but not as you'd expect

Over the last year, Suarez has given off the impression that he is a reformed man. No more biting shenanigans and less dives or controversial flops. Instead, he has focused on what he does best -- goal scoring. But Tuesday, Suarez returned to his villainous character. He was rather invisible throughout the match, furthering the notion that he is still not at peak form. But with the game winding down, the Uruguayan superstar left his mark on the game. Or more specifically, on Giorgio Chiellini's neck. Replays show that the Italian defender was headbutted by the forward, but further investigation has shown that Suarez actually sank his teeth into Chiellini. Still don't believe it? Here is the proof.


It will be interesting to see if Suarez is disciplined for his behavior prior to the round of 16 match this Saturday. If he does miss that game, it will be a huge blow to his side.

4. Edinson the Invisible

Edinson Cavani had one shot on target in this entire game and continued what has been a dreadful World Cup for him. With Suarez more worried about biting than scoring, the responsibility fell to Cavani to carry his team. He was unable to do it in the opener against Costa Rica and was not much better against England (though he admittedly did create the glorious assist on Suarez's first goal). Against Italy he had his least impressive game thus far and continues to fade on the biggest stage. Remember when he scored three goals in the knockout rounds of the Confederations Cup last summer? He seems like a different player. He seems like a man lacking confidence. Maybe he got Zlataned.

Man of the Match

No one had a particularly wonderful game, but Diego Godin came through for his nation in the clutch and rightfully deserves the honor.

Flop of the Match

One would be inclined to give it Suarez for his lack of sportsmanship, but Marchisio gets it for what cannot be described as anything but a stupid red card. Who in their right minds delivers a kick into the leg of a opposing player right in front of the referee? It cost his team the game.

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