Uruguay booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup following a 1-0 victory over Italy in Natal.

The Italians were reduced to 10 men when Claudio Marchisio was shown a straight red card just before the hour mark.

Luis Suarez then appeared to bite Giorgio Chiellini and soon after Diego Godin scored to give his side all three points to seal their passage from the group.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during a controversial 90 minutes.

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ITALY

Goal

Gianluigi Buffon: Reliable display as ever from the keeper, who made a fine double save in the first half. He could have done nothing about the winner and did not deserve to lose in what may be his final World Cup match. (7/10)

Defence

Mattia De Sciglio: Energetic performance from the full-back as Italy's change in formation allowed him plenty of space to roam down the flank. Picked up a booking in the second half for a challenge on Pereira. (6/10)

Leonardo Bonucci: The veteran Juventus player was reliable as ever. He was solid in the air throughout and dealt with the threat of the opposition defence well. (6/10)

Giorgio Chiellini: Marshalled the backline well all evening, but will be in the headlines for his clash with Suarez. He showed just why he is one of the best defenders in the world, but will have been disappointed that his side conceded from a corner. (7/10)

Andrea Barzagli: Along with his Juventus teammates, Barzagli thrived in a three-man defence. He won everything in the air and showed his class throughout. (7/10)

Matteo Darmian: The young defender has impressed for Italy in the tournament, but could not produce his best form in a wingback role. He was at times left exposed and allowed the opposition to run in behind him. (6/10)

Midfield

Andrea Pirlo: Classy performance as ever from the veteran. He completely controlled the game for Italy up until Marchisio's sending-off. It is a shame that his last appearance at the World Cup has ended in defeat after his great service to the national side. (7/10)

Claudio Marchisio: Was sent off for Italy in the second half with his team looking the far better side. It was a poor tackle that deserved at least a yellow card, but it swung the game in Uruguay's favour. (5/10)

Marco Verratti: Assured display from the young midfielder. He may not have played many games for Italy, but looked as experience an international as Pirlo. His influence on the game faded when Italy were reduced to 10 men, but it is clear that he is going to be a crucial player for his country in the years to come. (7/10)

Attack

Mario Balotelli: Failed to make an impact on the match. He appeared to pick up a knee injury early on and was then booked, before being taken off at half time for Parolo. (5/10)

Ciro Immobile: Disappointing night for the forward, who was kept quiet by a strong Uruguayan defence. His lack of games at international level showed and he was taken off in the second half for Cassano. (5/10)

Substitutes

Marco Parolo: Came on at half time for Balotelli and tried his best to influence the match. He attempted to get forward and support the attack, but was largely on defensive duty when his team went down to 10 men. (6/10)

Antonio Cassano: Entered the pitch with 20 minutes to go, but did not see enough of the ball to make a difference. (5/10)

Thiago Motta: Came on for the injured Verratti in the closing stages but struggled to get into the match. (6/10)

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URUGUAY

Goal

Fernando Muslera: Was hardly troubled in between the sticks, as Italy mustered only one shot on target. He dealt well with Pirlo's deliveries into the box all evening and dominated his area. (7/10)

Defence

Jose Maria Gimenez: Exceptional showing from the 19-year-old. He showed experience beyond his years and won his battle with Balotelli. Replacing Lugano in the back four is not an easy task, but he has breathed life into a defence that desperately lacked pace. (8/10)

Martin Caceres: Was dependable as ever and made sure that Italy were kept quiet down his side of the pitch. He won everything in the air as Italy looked to hit back late on. (7/10)

Diego Godin: Outstanding performance from the captain. He was brilliant in the heart of the defence all evening and his match-winning goal booked his country's place in the last 16. (8/10)

Alvaro Pereira: Although not as impressive as the rest of the back four, he rarely put a foot wrong. He was replaced by Stuani late on as his side chased a vital goal. (6/10)

Midfield

Alvaro Gonzalez: Busy showing from the midfielder. Could not get into the game before the break, but helped his team gradually assert their authority on the fixture. (6/10)

Egidio Arevalo Rios: Tough-tackling display as ever. Did not see too much of the ball in the first half, but after the break his deliveries into the middle caused trouble for the Italian defence. (7/10)

Cristian Rodriguez: Had a wonderful chance to score at the start of the second half, but put his shot wide form a promising position. Was replaced by Ramirez late on. (6/10)

Nicolas Lodeiro: Not one of his best games in a Uruguay shirt. Had trouble getting into the game as Italy controlled the possession and saw a shot from close range saved by Buffon. (6/10)

Attack

Edinson Cavani: Struggled to make an impact on the match and saw very little of the ball. When he did have possession he used it well, but Uruguay will want to see more from a player who possess such great quality. (6/10)

Luis Suarez: Although one of Uruguay's best players, his good work on the pitch will be overshadowed by his alleged bite on Chiellini. It was another moment of madness from the Liverpool striker, who may have made his last appearance at this year's World Cup. (5/10)

Substitutes

Maxi Pereira: Entered the pitch at the start of the second half and helped his side to gain control of the ball after Italy's red card. (6/10)

Christian Stuani: Did not see too much of the ball when he came on for Pereira just after the hour mark. (6/10)

Gaston Ramirez: Was only on the pitch for 12 minutes, but his well-delivered corner led to Godin's match-winning goal. (7/10)

Written by
Alex Meyers