gillsminnow Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Group D With one current continental champion and another runner-up the first balls to be drawn to Group D, the section was already looking a tough proposition. With Uruguay and Italy watching on intently, a third FIFA World Cup™ winner was added to the mix in the shape of England, following on from Costa Rica, leaving pre-tournament predictions tough to call. Seven times the names of the European and South American sides have been engraved on the World Cup Trophy, and at least one of these former champions will emerge into the knockout phase with their credentials well tested this time around. The teams With Uruguay as reigning Copa America holders and Italy as UEFA EURO 2012 runners-up, the pair will arguably be seen as the favourites, but England reached Brazil 2014 without a defeat to their name so cannot be ruled out. While Costa Rica will enter as outsiders, those in CONCACAF qualifying will tell you, Los Ticos cannot be taken lightly. Players to watch Luis Suarez (URU), Edinson Cavani (URU), Diego Forlan (URU), Joel Campbell (CRC), Brian Ruiz (CRC), Wayne Rooney (ENG), Daniel Sturridge (ENG) Jack Wilshere (ENG), Claudio Marchisio (ITA), Giuseppe Rossi (ITA), Mario Balotelli (ITA). The crunch match Italy-Uruguay: Having just met in the third-place match at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013, which the Italians won on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw, their duel in Natal will be played almost exactly a year later. As part of the final day of Group D, there is every chance this match could be a qualification decider. If they serve up half as good a game as in Salvador in 2013, all watching are in for a treat. A look back Uruguay 4-2 England, 26 June 1954, St, Jakob, Switzerland It will be close to the 60th anniversary of this pair's first-ever competitive meeting when they face off in Sao Paulo this time around, evoking memories of their goal-laden encounter in the quarter-finals of Switzerland 1954. The South Americans were reigning champions, on their way to a third semi-finals in three appearances, but England gave them their first stern test of the competition. Having not conceded up until this point, Nat Lofthouse and Tom Finney both struck against La Celeste, but it was not enough to stop the South American giants. Did you know? Costa Rica pulled off an stunning two-goal comeback in their final group game of their debut World Cup at Italy 1990 to qualify behind Brazil for the Round of 16. Roger Flores and Hernan Medford – who would also appear at Korea/Japan 2002 – got the all-important goals. The stat 4 – The first four incarnations of the World Cup were claimed by members of Group D, with hosts Uruguay winning the inaugural tournament in 1930, before repeating the effort two decades later. Italy also earned their first triumph as hosts in 1934, before winning the final pre-second world war tournament in 1938. Fixtures 14 June 2014 Uruguay v Costa Rica, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 20:00 (ITV) 14 June 2014 England v Italy, Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 23:00 (BBC) 19 June 2014 Uruguay v England , Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 20:00 (ITV) 20 June 2014 Italy v Costa Rica, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 17:00 (BBC) 24 June 2014 Italy v Uruguay, Arena das Dunas, Natal, 17:00 (ITV) 24 June 2014 Costa Rica v England, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 (ITV) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Costa Rica Location: Central America Status: UN Member Country Capital City: San José Main Cities: Alajuela, Cartago Population: 3,347,000 Area: 51,100 km2 Currency: 1 colón = 100 céntimos Languages: Spanish Religions: Roman Catholic National Anthem [video=youtube_share;kyQjSwIuSz4] Kit Prospects Arguably the most talented Costa Rica squad ever assembled for a World Cup, they can consider themselves unlucky to have been drawn in Group D. There's a smattering of talent within a squad that will battle for each other but heads could drop if they go a goal down. Key player Goalkeeper Keylor Navas has already reached a half century of caps at the age of 26 and he kept seven clean sheets in 14 qualifying matches. He is now first choice for Levante in Spain's top flight, with bigger clubs taking an interest. The boss It is a second spell in charge for Colombian Jorge Luis Pinto, who was fired during qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. He has given Costa Rica an identity, given them confidence and made them difficult to break down. He has worked hard to make it to a World Cup finals and despite being drawn in a group of death will be optimistic of enhancing his reputation, particularly in Latin America. How they qualified They finished comfortably as runners-up in the final group stage, with their five wins all coming at home. They only conceded seven goals in the final phase, fewer than any other team. World Cup record They made a winning World Cup debut against Scotland in 1990, going on to reach the last 16. Group exits have followed in 2002 and 2006. Fifa ranking: 34 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Levante), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense) Daniel Cambronero (Herediano). Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew), Michael Umana (Saprissa), Oscar Duarte (Bruges), Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Junior Diaz (Mainz 05), Christian Gamboa (Rosenborg), Roy Miller (New York Red Bulls). Midfielders: Celso Borges (AIK), Christian Bolanos (Copenhagen), Esteban Granados (Herediano), Michael Barrantes (Aalesund), Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa), Diego Calvo (Valerenga), Jose Miguel Cubero (Herediano). Forwards: Bryan Ruiz (PSV Eindhoven, on loan from Fulham), Joel Campbell (Olympiakos, on loan from Arsenal), Randall Brenes (Cartagines), Marco Urena (FC Kuban Krasnodar). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 England Location: Europe Status: UK Constituent Country Capital City: London Main Cities: Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Population: 47,255,000 Currency: 1 pound sterling = 100 pence Languages: English Religions: Protestant, Roman Catholic, Muslim, Hindu National Anthem [video=youtube_share;PtDs9CzbI5k]http://youtu.be/PtDs9CzbI5k Kit Prospects For once England arrive at a major tournament with little expectation. The ride has been uncomfortable at times, a little out of control and the engine prone to overheating. Then again it might just be a decent run-out, with more fuel in the tank than expected because of low mileage and plenty of scenery to enjoy along the way. Led by Roy Hodgson, the first English coach to lead England in a World Cup for 16 years, there is pressure on the Three Lions to at least continue proud traditions. Only twice before have they failed to make it out the group stage of a World Cup, in 1950 and 1958, the former of which was held in Brazil. Key player This will be Wayne Rooney's third World Cup and he admits the previous two have been far from successful. Nonetheless, seven goals in six qualifiers helped him nudge ever closer to Sir Bobby Charlton's England record of 49. England will need him at the top of his game - and to keep his cool - in Brazil. The boss Roy Hodgson, 66, lost just one of his first 22 matches in charge prior to friendly defeats by Chile and Germany. This is the fourth national side he has managed after Switzerland, who he took to the last 16 at the 1994 World Cup, Finland and the United Arab Emirates. England's 13th permanent manager was appointed in May 2012. How they qualified England finished their qualifying campaign unbeaten and conceded just four goals. However, they left it to the last game to secure their ticket to Brazil, despite their opposition not being the strongest. Laboured draws against Ukraine, Poland and Montenegro were a tough watch. World Cup record Since victory in 1966, England have reached just one semi-final - in 1990. Their capitulation against Germany in 2010 was symptomatic of their struggles when pitted against top-class teams. And don't talk about penalties… Fifa ranking: 11 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City). Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United). Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson (both Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal). Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Italy Location: Europe Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Rome (Roma) Main Cities: Milan, Naples,Turin, Florence, Venice Population: 57,867,000 Area: 301,270 km2 Currency: 1 euro = 100 cents Languages: Italian Religions: Roman Catholic National Anthem [video=youtube_share;DeDmsIMwQX8] Kit Prospects Cesare Prandelli's Italy know how to make it to the latter stages of tournaments; runners-up at Euro 2012, third-place at the Confederations Cup. They may not be seeded but they are in all but name. A possession-based team, Prandelli has selected an array of strikers to win games for him off the bench. The Azzurri's defence is based around Juventus's mean back-line, with the majestic pass-master Andrea Pirlo pulling the strings just in front of them. There is also a smattering of youth for the future. Key player AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli, 23, heads to the World Cup as a maturing performer. He inspired Italy to the Euro 2012 final, scoring twice in the semi-final against Germany, and top scored in qualifying with five goals. Balotelli has managed 12 goals in 29 appearances - and Italy have never lost when he has scored. The boss Cesare Prandelli is well respected by all in Italian football. Tactically astute, he has hard-line views on behaviour, both on and off the pitch, and has spoken about banning social media in the camp. Despite this, even Balotelli is on his side. He signed a new two-year contract in March and if he sees out the contract would become the longest-serving Italian coach since Enzo Bearzot (1975-86), the man who led the Azzurri to 1982 World Cup glory. The Italian Football Federation has faith that Prandelli can repeat the feat. How they qualified Arguably too easily. Italy qualified with two matches to spare, along with the Netherlands becoming the first European nation to book their place. Prandelli experimented for the final two matches - both games were drawn, crucial ranking points were dropped, and Italy's seeding hopes dashed. World Cup record Italy are four-time world champions (1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006); only Brazil (five wins) have won more. The two-time runners up have reached eight semi-finals in 19 previous World Cups. However, the Azzurri went home without a win to their name when defending champions four years ago. Fifa ranking: 9 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St-Germain), Mattia Perin (Genoa). Defenders: Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorigo Chiellini (all Juventus), Gabriel Paletta (Parma), Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio (both AC Milan), Matteo Darmian (Torino). Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio (both Juventus), Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti (both Paris St-Germain), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Marco Parolo (Parma), Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina). Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), Antonio Cassano (Parma), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Uruguay Location: South America Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Montevideo Main Cities: Salto, Paysandú Population: 3,167,000 Area: 177,410 km2 Currency: 1 Uruguayan new peso = 100 centésimos Languages: Spanish Religions: Roman Catholic National Anthem [video=youtube_share;jc6L_0NZlqk] Kit Style & formation As qualifying went on, coach Oscar Tabarez settled on a pragmatic 4-4-2. The industrious Edinson Cavani leads the line, with Luis Suarez given licence to roam. Tabarez, however, is not afraid to switch formations, doing so in away matches and during the Confederations Cup to counteract the opposition, including playing 3-5-2 and 4-3-3. Expect him to vary it up in Brazil. Strengths In Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and the evergreen Diego Forlan, Uruguay possess magnificent striking options. Weaknesses An ageing Uruguay defence conceded 25 goals in qualifying (16 away). Experienced centre-back pairing Diego Godin and captain Diego Lugano can have their lack of pace exposed and are prone to committing fouls once beaten. Uruguay could do with Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates to return fit and well from his anterior cruciate injury and recapture the excellent form he showed at the 2011 Copa America. Key player Luis Suarez, 26, is Uruguay's all-time leading scorer with 39 goals in 76 caps; he beat Diego Forlan's previous record during last year's Confederations Cup. The Liverpool forward's pace, fleet-footedness, power and control make him one of the game's most potent strikers. He may have scored three goals at the 2010 World Cup but his handball on the line in the quarter-final against Ghana is the abiding memory of him from South Africa. He is a doubt to start the World Cup after picking up a knee injury. One to watch Attacking midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro, 25, has been reinvigorated at Brazilian club Botafogo and is back in the international fold. The youngest member of Uruguay's 2010 World Cup squad was sent off just 18 minutes into a substitute appearance in Le Celeste's group opener and later fractured his foot against Ghana. The boss Oscar Tabarez demands more respect than most in Uruguay. The former teacher has revamped the youth set-up, led them to fourth at the World Cup and won a Copa America during his second spell. World Cup record Winners of the inaugural World Cup on home soil in 1930, they also lifted the trophy in 1950 - the only other time Brazil have hosted the tournament. Uruguay have also finished fourth on three occasions: 1954, 1970 and 2010. Fifa ranking: 6 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Martin Silva (Vasco da Gama), Rodrigo Munoz (Libertad). Defenders: Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica), Diego Lugano (West Bromwich Albion), Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez (both Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Coates (Liverpool), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Jorge Fucile (Porto). Midfielders: Alvaro Gonzalez (Lazio), Alvaro Pereira (Sao Paulo), Walter Gargano (Parma), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Morelia), Diego Perez (Bologna), Cristian Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton), Nicolas Lodeiro (Botafogo). Forwards: Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Edinson Cavani (Paris St-Germain), Abel Hernandez (Palermo), Diego Forlan (Cerezo Osaka), Christian Stuani (Espanyol). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cms186 Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 I had completely forgotten Keylor Navas was Costa Rican, he is very good anyway, came here to post this: Conor McNamara @ConorMcNamaraIE 12m The Italian press guy running around saying "Montolivio" & "Tibia". Suspected broken leg for Italy's captain tonight. #BBCworldcup Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astafjevs Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 Montolivo said himself that he thinks he broke it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RicardoW Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 Montolivo confirmed out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razzler Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 Damn Italy and Uruguay lulling into a false sense of security with results against the Irelands. Yeah, well three can play at that game, we're gonna go look rubbish against Honduras now, so there!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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