Croatia gifted the Italians a place in the last 16 at their own expense after losing 1-0 to Ecuador in Yokohama today.

Croatia, who sensationally beat the Azzurri last week, were poor against Croatia and put in an even worse performance today.

Ecuador, who started as Group G underdogs playing in their first ever World Cup, gave their all and deserved the win which sent Mirko Jozic's side back to the Balkans.

Even the news that Italy were losing to Mexico did not force Alen Boksic and co to turn in a performance that most had expected after their stunning comeback against the Italians.

The goal that sent Croatia home came three minutes into the second half.

Edison Mendez earned himself a place in Ecuador's history books with a sweet left-foot half-volley after Southampton's Agustin Delgado had knocked a Ulises de la Cruz right-wing cross down into his path.

This failed to spark Croatia to life and although Davor Vugrinec came close to an equaliser with a volley in the closing stages, it was too little, too late.