Of the four matches of Group C and D those will be played tonight for deciding which two teams will advance to the elimination round the most critical one will be between two former World Champions Uruguay and Italy. Between them they shared 6 previous titles.
Italy got it four times and Uruguay twice. Curtain will drop on Brazil World Cup dream of one of the team which fail to produce their best on the day. Both accounted for early demise of another former Champion England beating them by identical margin of 2-1. Both also were embarrassed by Costa Rica which has already confirmed a berth for the next round.
Costa Rica will play England to complete the formality of engagement. A draw will be enough for Costa Rica to finish on top. England will try to salvage something out of the last match and play for pride. Not only England but also another former champion from the group will pack their kit and go home after the matches tonight. The situation of Group C is also become clear today.
Colombia with two wins like Costa Rica has qualified. Any team of the reaming three may join them depending on the result of the last group matches.
Group of Death Group D
As soon as three former world Champions Uruguay, Iatly and England were drawn ironically in group D (D for death) and Costa Rica added to it people thought the weakest link Costa Rica will be team for prey. But to the credit of the unfancied Central American team playing great skills they have already beaten Uruguay and Italy and we will not be surprised if they rub salt insult to England’s wound as well today.
Uruguay surprisingly lost by a comfortable margin of 1-3 to Costa Rica in the first match with their superstar Luis Suarez witnessing from the sideline being not match fit at that time. He returned in their do or die match against England and played the prime role of knocking out England with two beautiful goals in either half of the match. England lost their first match against Italy in a tight contest against Italy. Two back to back defeats put paid to Englands Brazil world cup ambition.
Uruguay –Italy Match:
Two great soccer nations will fight out who advances to the pre quarter final along with Costa Rica. Four times World Champions Italy masterminded by Cesare Prandelli is always considered formidable foe in tight contest. The present team does not play the same ultra-defensive Italian Model of soccer though they possess a strong defence and arguably the most dependable goal keeper (Gianlugi Buffon) of present world Soccer.
In Marco Balotelli, Marco Verrati, Gabriel Palleta and Antonio Cassano Italy possess some wonderful players. In pre-tournament preview Italy was the peak of the group and either Uruguay or England was thought to join them. How wonderfully Costa Rica has turned the table on the favorites knocking out England and pushing Uruguay and Italy on the brink.
Uruguay is also a very strong team and playing in their continent was favored in analysis to advance from the group. But a shock defeat in the opening match against Costa Rica made situation critical for them. The superstar Saurez had to sit out in the match after failing to recovrer completely from injury.
He demonstrated his star value after return in the important match against England scoring two beautiful goals in knocking out England from the world and bringing his team back in contention .Uruguay in recent time promised huge but delivered little. But this team played consistently well over the last several months raising the ambitions of its fans. If one asks Brazilian which team they will prefer to avoid in this world cup we are sure the answer in a chorus will be Uruguay.
But today against very organized Italy Uruguay will have play all out attacking South American brand of football pushing the opponent confined in their territory as much as possible. Uruguayan Midfield Comprising of Diego Perez, Alvaro Gonzalez and Christian Rodriguez can compete equally well with any team in this world cup. In any case Italy Uruguay match will be as good as final for the both as it is winner take all. Considering the present trend of the tournament, climate, known conditions Uruguay will have some edge. But very hard to predict. Team that produce the game A on the day will win. A drawn match will work in favor of Italy for a slightly better goal difference as Uruguay considered more goals against Costa Rica. The match will be very exciting and there is possibility of a high scoring match.
Costa Rica – England Match:
England is already out of the contest losing two matches back to back. On the other hand Costa Rica must be basking in glory with two brilliant wins against major opposition. They have already qualified for the second round and sitting pretty on the top of the table with six points. A point from the match will make them retain the statuesque. England has nothing to lose now.
They will play for pride and try to salvage something out of the game. Given the dynamism and mobility of the Costa Rica it will not be easy to beat the side. But a desperate England to redeem may catch them off guard. We think England will win today. If not England think tanks will come under serious scrutiny back dome.
For Rooney, Lampard and Gerrad this may be the swan song. We are sure they will love to leave the World Cup Coliseum with heads high.
Today will be the day of destiny for two good teams of the tournament. Either Uruguay or Italy will not be seen any further after the day. Just sit back and enjoy.
BDST: 1421 HRS, JUNE 24, 2014
