Group D Preview

Now group D is a group to watch. This will be sure entertainment! Even the "worst" team in the group brings a lot of theatrics to the table. Here's your preview...

Uruguay:

Uruguay continues the trend of South American teams bringing all out attacking to the field. Strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani could start in any league in the world... and absolutely dominate! Oh, and tucked in their pocket is Diego Forlan, arguably the best player the 2010 World Cup. He'll act as a super sub for this fantastically gifted team. Seriously, if they stay healthy they could go all the way.

The one thing going against them may be there flair for the theatrical. Suarez has been known for his antics both on and off the field. It was his hand, not his foot, that kept his team in it deep into the knockout rounds of the last tournament. If the other powerful teams in this group can get under his skin and stoke the Latin passion then things could go down hill fast. But if Uruguay can stay focused on the end product and play as a team there's no telling how far they can take it.  There's no doubt that this team could raise the trophy

Suarez Handball to to keep Ghana brace out of the net

England:

Overrated. At least that's how they usually enter tournament. They have not lived up to the hype for many cycles now. Can they this time? Well, it may all come down to their first game against Italy. If Daniel Sturridge, Danny Wellbeck, and Wayne Rooney can push forward and connect with each other to get the ball into the box they will surely create chance after chance. But if they falter on getting their passes strung together early and start getting frustrated, well..then watch out. It could quickly turn into pressure time where solo players make the mistake of putting the game on their own backs.

Rooney Red in 2010

The Three Lions will work and work for the win. They will run themselves into the ground and play harder than anybody else on the field. But the pressure from their soccer worshiping nation may just get in their heads if they are unable to produce early and often. Unfortunately the English have become known for their blunders and tempers. If they can keep a lid on both then winning the group is possible. If the do it it will line them up to face the second-place team in group C, which would give them a very good chance of making a deep run. 

Italy:

Andre Pirlo

The Azurri are probably the most technically sound team in the tournament. They aren't always the most fun to watch because of their defensive minded play. But they can put a wall between any team and their goal, making it hard for even the greatest strikers to break through. They have a lot of talent and they come with tons of experience to keep their heads in the game, namely their seemingly ancient goalkeeper Gialuigi Bufffon and midfielder Andrea Pirlo, age 35.

Mario Balotelli

Like many of the other teams in this group they do have an Achilles' heel. Their's comes in the form of a striker. Mario Balotelli is one of the most carded internationals in all of European play since euro 2012. He's had five yellows and the 1 red in 15 games for Italy. They were all for dangerous tackles and, even more, childish reactions. Balotelli is a force to be reckoned with on offense. If the experienced players can help keep his temper at bay and eyes on the goal the Italy could make go far. One thing to consider is their mostly older legs may not stay fit all the way through the tournament. 

Costa Rica:

These guys are good, muy good! They were all overshadowed in CONCACAF qualifying by a late US run and Mexican drama but they stood firm and achieved a solid second-place. This was mostly due to midfielder Bryan Ruiz, who seemed to be able to pass the ball to anyone he pleased, especially Real Salt Lake's Alvaro Saborio, the Tico's talismanic striker who seems to know where the goal is at all times.

Any CONCAF team would be overlooked by the likes of Uruguay, England and Italy. But if the other teams take all their energy focusing on beating each other then Costa Rica could just slip through to the next round. The heat and environment should give them an advantage over the European teams making them hopeful for second place in group D. All that being said they could be in trouble if, for some act of God, they encounter snow again... like they did in their Qualifier against the US in Colorado. Then, that's it, all over, they're out! :)



Happy picking!