Game 52 Recap: Costa Rica 1-1 (5-3 SO) Greece

COSTA RICA 1-1 (5-3 SO) GREECE

For the second straight game, Greece managed some injury time magic but it was not enough to carry them to a victory this time as Costa Rica pulled out the win in penalty kicks.

It took for a while for the game to get going in the first half with neither side managing some quality scoring chances before halftime. Costa Rica's best chance came in the 8th minute but Christian Bolanos fired a shot from 15 yards over the crossbar.

Greece nearly scored themselves in the 37th minute but Dimitris Salpingidis flick at the back post was denied by a big Keylor Navas save for Costa Rica.

Despite Greece having the better of chances in the first half it was Costa Rica that got on the scoreboard to start the second half on a bizarre play. Bolanos' slow cross found captain Bryan Ruiz at the top of the Greek penalty area. Ruiz one-time shot was slow and trickling along the ground, but it appeared to freeze Orestis Karnezis in the Greek goal. Karnezis appeared to have plenty of time to get to the ball but didn't move in net and Costa Rica took the 1-0 lead.

No complaints from Costa Rica who likely should have doubled the scoreline two minutes later. A long ball in to the Greek penalty area was only taken from Bolanos by an outstretched arm of Vasilis Torosidis. The handball infraction went missed by the referee though and play went on.

Costa Rica could have used the extra goal as the half went on. Did well to shut down all Greece attacks until the 66th minute. Having already picked up a yellow card in the first half, Oscar Duarte made a poor challenge on Jose Holebas of Greece. The foul earned him his second yellow card and a trip to the showers with 25 minutes to play in the game.

Down a man, it appeared as if Costa Rica might be able to escape in regulation time with the help of some desperate defending and clearances in their own end. But Greece kept the pressure up and just like their last group game against Ivory Coast, found the goal they needed at the last. Kostas Mitroglou fired a shot from close range in the first minute of injury time which Navas saved but spilled directly out front of goal. Up from defence to pressure, Sokratis Papastathopoulos rifled home the rebound to give Greece the tie game and force and extra period of play.

It was all Greece from that point forward. Mitroglou flicked a header towards goal that Navas was barely able to clear. Mitroglou found another chance at the end of extra time but Navas was able to get a piece from in close and direct it wide of goal, to force the game in to penalty kicks.

Bizarre moment prior to penalty kicks as Greece coach Fernando Santos was seen arguing with the referee and was sent off before the penalties could start. Hard to tell what impact that may have had on Greece not having their manager there for penalty taker selection.

A mostly academic display of shooting to start the penalties. Shooting first, Costa Rica hit their first four penalties while Greece responded hitting their first three shots. Greece's fourth shot was the decider though. Veteran substitute Theofanis Gekas' shot was turned away by an excellent dive from Navas who guessed direction correctly and was able to get an arm on the ball. Michael Umana's followup scored to give Costa Rica the 5-3 win in the shootout.

Tough loss for Greece who had the advantage in chances and possession after Duarte's sending off. Costa Rica meanwhile will make their first ever quarterfinal appearance next weekend when they take on Netherlands.

Goals

Costa Rica: Bryan Ruiz (52')

Greece: Sokratis Papastathopoulos (90+1')

Penalty Kicks:

1. Celso Borges (CRC) SCORES.
2. Kostas Mitroglou (GRE) SCORES.
3. Bryan Ruiz (CRC) SCORES.
4. Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (GRE) SCORES.
5. Giancarlo Gonzalez (CRC) SCORES.
6. Jose Holebas (GRE) SCORES.
7. Joel Campbell (CRC) SCORES.
8. Theofanis Gekas (GRE) SAVED.
9. Michael Umana (CRC) SCORES.

Discipline

Costa Rica: Oscar Duarte (Yellow 42', Yellow 66', Red 66'), Yeltsin Tejeda (Yellow 48'), Esteban Granados (Yellow 54'), Bryan Ruiz (Yellow 70'), Keylor Navas (Yellow 90')

Greece: Andreas Samaris (Yellow 36'), Kostas Manolas (Yellow 72')

Man of the Match

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas was again named Man of the Match. Navas made 7 saves as well as a key stop on Gekas in the shootout to earn the victory for Costa Rica. Navas was the rock at the back for Costa Rica, holding them in the game despite spending half the game down a man after Duarte's sending off.

Key Moment

Came right down to the wire in the shootout. After 7 straight goals to start the shootout, Theofanis Gekas stepped up for Greece. His shot was hard to the left of goal but Keylor Navas guessed right and was able to get an arm up to direct it away from goal. That was the only break required for Costa Rica, as Michael Umana converted the following shot to give Costa Rica the win.

What we learned from Costa Rica

Tough to analyze given they spent the last 55 minutes of the game down a man. Felt that before that they were the definite better team on the field. Kept Greece outside of their penalty area and maximized their own chances of scoring. Far too passive in the midfield though and allowed Greece plenty of room to advance the ball up the field. Will have to be more aggressive against Netherlands in the quarterfinals and will be without 2 starters in that game.

What we learned from Greece

Not much that wasn't already known. Had one lapse defensively that cost them in the early second half. Only got quality offensive chances after Costa Rica went down a man and still had no quality finishing. Have to find a way to better attack the opposing goal going forward as their current strategy has been figured out.

Going Forward

Greece are headed home after their first knockout round appearance ever. Costa Rica meanwhile advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in history. They'll be in tough against a Dutch team that has averaged 3 goals for a game so far in this World Cup.

Game 52 Starting Lineups (Costa Rica vs. Greece)

Game Preview here.
Starting Lineups below:

Costa Rica

Regular starting XI for Costa Rica.

 

Substitutes

Goalkeepers: Daniel Cambronero (#23), Patrick Pemberton (#18)

Defenders: Johnny Acosta (#2), Waylon Francis (#12), Roy Miller(#19), David Myrie (#8)

Midfielders: Michael Barrantes (#11), Diego Calvo (#20), Jose Miguel Cubero (#22), Esteban Granados (#13)

Forwards: Randall Brenes (#14), Marco Urena (#21)


Greece

1 change for Greece from last game. Samaris replaces Kone who left the Ivory Coast match with an injury.



Substitutes

Goalkeepers: Panagiotis Glykos (#12), Stefanos Kapino (#13)

Defenders: Vangelis Moras (#5), Giorgos Tzavellas (#3)

Midfielders: Giannis Fetfatzidis (#18), Kostas Katsouranis (#21), Panagiotis Kone (#8), Panagiotis Tachtsidis (#23), Alexandros Tziolis (#6), Loukas Vyntra (#11)

Forwards: Theofanis Gekas (#17), Kostas Mitroglou (#9)

Game 52 Preview: Costa Rica vs. Greece

COSTA RICA vs. GREECE
Round of 16 - Game 4

 

 Date: June 29, 2014

Time: 4:00 p.m. EDT

Venue: Arena Pernambuco, Recife

Overall Head-to-Head Record (W-L-T): N/A

Last Match: N/A

Line: Costa Rica +135

Group C Preview here.
Group D Preview here.

Starting Lineups posted separately once they're announced.

Team Profiles 

World Ranking: Costa Rica (28th), Greece (12th)

Managers: Jorge Luis Pinto (CRC), Fernando Santos (GRE)

Captains: Bryan Ruiz (CRC), Giorgos Karagounis (GRE)

World Cup Appearances: 4 (CRC), 3 (GRE)

Best Finish: Costa Rica (Round of 16, 1990), Greece (2x Group Stage, Last in 2010)

Qualifying Records: Costa Rica (8-4-4, GF: 27, GA: 12), Greece (9-1-2, GF: 16, GA: 6)

Previous Game Results

Costa Rica

June 14th - Costa Rica def. Uruguay 3-1
June 20th - Costa Rica def. Italy 1-0 

June 24th - Costa Rica tied England 0-0

Greece

June 14th - Colombia def. Greece 3-0
June 19th - Japan tied Greece 0-0
June 24th - Greece def. Ivory Coast 2-1

Rosters

Injuries/Discipline

Costa Rica: Jose Miguel Cubero (Yellow Card), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Yellow Card), Yeltsin Tejeda (Yellow Card)
Greece: Orestis Karnezis (Questionable - Injury), Panagiotis Kone (Questionable - Hamstring), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Yellow Card), Dimitris Salpingidis (Yellow Card), Giorgos Samaras (Yellow Card), Vasilis Torosidis (Yellow Card)

Overview

If you saw this game as being a Costa Rica-Greece matchup then you are amongst a probable handful in the world. The most unlikely of Round of 16 matches sees Greece make their debut in the knockout round and will ensure one of the two teams makes the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.

Costa Rica have been one of the big surprises in this tournament. Expected to be a place-filler in Group D, they surprised everyone by topping the group to set up today's date with Greece. Not a huge offensive threat, Costa Rica get by with strong defence and goalkeeping. It is also a very international mix of players. Their starting 11 in their last match with England featured players plying their club trade in 10 different countries.

Greece were an outside chance at making the knockout round in a weak Group C but managed to advance to this stage in the most improbable fashion. Needing a victory against Ivory Coast, they found it courtesy of an injury time penalty kick by Giorgos Samaras to secure their spot in this game. Also known for their defence, Greece have not been as sharp in this tournament as they typically are and may find themselves vulnerable to a quick Costa Rican counter-attack.

Costa Rica are healthy and have no selection issues. After resting some players against England, would expect them to return to their regular lineup today. It's a variant of a 5-4-1 but will change shape throughout the game as Costa Rica adjust their tactics. While very much a defence-first team, Costa Rica are dangerous when they get forward. Joel Campbell possesses speed and power as the lone striker and gets great supporting play from wide midfielders Bryan Ruiz and Christian Bolanos.

Greece have been the model of defensive organization since winning Euro 2004. They have shown some holes in this tournament though, particularly on the wings. Greece's 4-3-3/4-5-1 typically sees 9 players surrounding the penalty area at all times on defence. Greece may opt to push a bit higher up the field today though against a Costa Rica attack limited in numbers by its own defensive philosophy.

Personnel

In the Costa Rican Third: Costa Rica maintain a good defensive shape and close out attacking players incredibly fast. Greece aren't a team with overly dynamic forwards and have struggled manufacturing goals in this tournament. Greece can get an occasional darting run from their midfield that causes issues but on the whole Costa Rica will not be scared of this lineup. Advantage: Costa Rica.

In the Midfield: Greece passive defensively through the midfield while Costa Rica willing to put some pressure on the attackers. I also feel Costa Rica a bit more creative and effective in possession then Greece are. Advantage: Costa Rica.

In the Greek Third: I think there's holes in this Greek back line, particularly at left back but I don't feel this Costa Rica is the best to take advantage of that. They can get forward but their goals have been the result of shoddy effort or poor man-marking, neither of which Greece will allow. I think they have options on the wings to get deep down the field but will need to find Campbell effectively in the centre to have any hope of goals. Advantage: Greece.

Goalkeeping: First-choice Greek goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis is a game-time decision after leaving the Ivory Coast game with an injury. Panagiotis Glykos will likely start if he can't go. In either case, Keylor Navas has been one of the top goalkeepers in the tournament and has a better club record the past year then either Greek options. Advantage: Costa Rica.

Costa Rica will win if:

Attack the full backs for Greece with long balls and speed and see if that opens up the Greek defensive lines. Colombia find this incredibly effective in their game and are the most similar in style of play to Costa Rica. Create space out wide and they'll be able to flood the penalty area with players. Greece are good at picking players up but Costa Rica should be able to use their quickness to find open holes for shots.

Greece will win if:

Have to provide greater pressure on Costa Rica in the middle of the field. Greece love to sit back and defend before attacking in formation. Unfortunately, that's exactly what Costa Rica does as well, and they're a faster, more athletic team. Pressure higher and win possession without being in your own penalty area is the best way to draw Costa Rica out of position and get quality opportunities at goal.

Prediction

Hardly the must-see game of the tournament. Both teams are counter-punchers with limited options in attack. Goals will be at a premium in this game and first one to score might be the winner. Here's hoping for an entertaining game but don't really see it happening today.

Costa Rica 1-0 Greece

Game 50 Starting Lineups (Colombia vs. Uruguay)

Game Preview here.
Starting Lineups Below:

Colombia

Just 1 change from their usual starting XI as Martinez is in for Ibarbo.

 

 Substitutes:

Goalkeepers: Faryd Mondragon (#22), Camilo Vargas (#12)

Defenders: Santiago Arias (#4), Eder Alvarez Balanta (#16), Carlos Valdes (#23)

Midfielders: Carlos Carbonero (#5), Fredy Guarin (#13), Alexander Mejia (#15), Juan Fernando Quintero (#20)

Forwards: Carlos Bacca (#17), Victor Ibarbo (#14), Adrian Ramos (#19)


Uruguay

Uruguay going 2-3-5. Forlan for Suarez and Lodeiro the casualty of the formation change as Maxi Pereira comes in.

 

Substitutes:


Goalkeepers: Rodrigo Munoz (#12), Martin Silva (#23)

Defenders: Sebastian Coates (#19), Jorge Fucile (#4), Diego Lugano (#2)

Midfielders: Walter Gargano (#5), Nicolas Lodeiro (#14), Diego Perez (#15), Gaston Ramirez (#18)

Forwards: Abel Hernandez (#8), Christian Stuani (#11)

Game 50 Preview: Colombia vs. Uruguay

COLOMBIA vs. URUGUAY
Round of 16 - Game 2
 

 Date: June 28, 2014

Time: 4:00 p.m. EDT

Venue: Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

Overall Head-to-Head Record (W-L-T): 18-11-9 Uruguay

Last Match: 2014 World Cup Qualifying (September 2013). Uruguay def. Colombia 2-0.

Line: Colombia -110

Group C Preview here.
Group D Preview here.

Starting Lineups posted separately once they're announced.

Team Profiles 

World Ranking: Colombia (8th), Uruguay (7th)

Managers: Jose Pekerman (COL), Oscar Tabarez (URU)

Captains: Mario Yepes (COL), Diego Lugano (URU)

World Cup Appearances: 5 (COL), 12 (URU)

Best Finish: Colombia (Round of 16, 1990), Uruguay (2x Champions, Last in 1950)

Qualifying Records: Colombia (9-4-3, GF: 27, GA: 13), Uruguay (8-5-5, GF: 30, GA: 25)

Previous Game Results

Colombia

June 14th - Colombia def. Greece 3-0
June 19th - Colombia def. Ivory Coast 2-1 
June 24th - Colombia def. Japan 4-1

Uruguay

June 14th - Costa Rica def. Uruguay 3-1
June 20th - Uruguay def. England 2-1
June 24th - Uruguay def. Italy 1-0

Rosters

Injuries/Discipline

Colombia: Fredy Guarin (Yellow Card), Carlos Sanchez (Yellow Card)
Uruguay: Martin Caceres (Yellow Card), Walter Gargano (Yellow Card), Diego Godin (Yellow Card), Diego Lugano (Yellow Card, Questionable - Knee), Fernando Muslera (Yellow Card), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Yellow Card), Luis Suarez (Out - Suspended by FIFA)

Overview

The second game of the day also features a pair of continental foes as Colombia take on Uruguay. Uruguay are still reeling from the suspension of Luis Suarez and will have to find some way to counter the Colombian attack without their best and most valuable player.

The star for both teams in Suarez' absence has been Colombia's James Rodriguez. The 22 year old attacking midfielder has been a revelation in the tournament, scoring in all 3 games and making the entire Colombia offence click. Rested in the first half against Japan, Rodriguez's introduction in the second half was the turning point in that game as Rodriguez simply took the game over with his skill and speed. Uruguay's gameplan today has to start with finding a way to control the young star.

Uruguay is expected to stick with their 4-2-2-2 formation, with Diego Forlan likely stepping in for Suarez up front. Forlan was the best player at the 2010 World Cup but has seen his form decline in the subsequent years and at 35 is a sizeable downgrade from the world-class Suarez. A similar lineup was fielded in Uruguay's first group match against Costa Rica and that outing was an absolute disaster for this squad. Have to find a way to create offensive chances through Forlan and will need Edinson Cavani to step up as the primary striker.

Colombia will go with their 4-2-3-1 formation that has been excellent so far. Rested several players in their last match against Japan but should be in full strength today. Biggest selection question for Colombia is at striker. Jackson Martinez filled in for Teofilo Gutierrez last match and responded with 2 goals. Colombia may opt to stick with the in form Martinez as long as that keeps working.

Personnel

In the Colombian Third: Would have been an intriguing battle until Suarez unleashed his inner idiot against Italy. Uruguay was without Suarez for their pre-tournament games and opener and their offence was absolutely dreadful without him. I said before the tournament, no team requires one player for their success more so then Uruguay do, and that player isn't allowed in the stadium today. Cavani and Forlan did not click in their opener and I expect the same today against a quality Colombian defence. Advantage: Colombia.

In the Midfield: Uruguay likely to be in a defensive stance today and have a pair of quality holding midfielders at their disposal. I like Colombia to dominate this stretch of the field though. Too quick in all parts of the game and can stretch the field in all ways with their midfielders. Better on the ball then Uruguay who have been using long balls to their forwards frequently as opposed to working through the midfield. Colombia better defensively than Uruguay and generally move the ball better. Advantage: Colombia.

In the Uruguayan Third: After a debacle against Costa Rica, Uruguay have actually looked competent in the past 2 games and could be at full strength again if captain Diego Lugano is good to go. Except Italy and England don't have the same offensive flare as Colombia and were forced to hang back and deal with the Suarez threat in those games. I expect Uruguay to be on their heels defensively trying to handle all the speed and movement from Colombia and that's not a fight they can win for 90 minutes. Advantage: Colombia.

Goalkeeping: Ospina has been rock-solid. Muslera has looked very tentative in goal. If my research is correct, Muslera also hasn't saved a penalty kick since the 2010 World Cup. Advantage: Colombia.

Colombia will win if:

Maintain their defensive shape to neutralize Cavani/Forlan and get their quick counter-attacks going early. Suarez is the most dynamic but Cavani and Forlan both bring danger to Colombia. Not as quick or versatile as Suarez but both can bury the ball if given time and space. Colombia's defence has been great at preventing teams from having that all tournament, need to ensure that happens again today. Offensively, look for the long stretch passes early and often and get Uruguay out of position. Uruguay's defenders struggle when pressured with speed and one-on-one situations. Colombia excel at creating those issues.

Uruguay will win if:

Need to be all-defence in this game. Won't have nearly the same offensive chances that they've had so far this tournament in this game. Best bet for Uruguay in winning this game; hang back protect your own area, drag the game on as long as possible. If Colombia get momentum going then they don't stop. Uruguay have to weather the early storm, keep balls away from Muslera's goal and get Colombia frustrated in attack. Take advantage of offensive chances if afforded to you but can't be the same attacking Uruguay today that they usually are.

Prediction

Uruguay struggles to get quality scoring chances without Suarez and their defence crumbles again against the best offence they've faced so far. Colombia runs away with this in the second half.

Colombia 3-0 Uruguay

All-Group Teams: Group D

All-Group Team for Group D. If you didn't see yesterday, I'm picking my top XI from each group once they're completed. Formation is a consideration but is not the overarching consideration. Will do my best to make a reasonable team without stacking it with 11 forwards. Feel free to let me know your thoughts

Group D



Also Considered:

Costa Rica: Ruiz, Borges, Gonzalez, Bolanos
England: Johnson, Sterling
Italy: Marchisio, Barzagli, De Rossi
Uruguay: Rodriguez, Lodeiro

Game 37 Recap: Italy 0-1 Uruguay

ITALY 0-1 URUGUAY

A late goal, a questionable red card and a probable expulsion from the tournament highlighted an otherwise dreary contest that saw the 4-time champions Italy out of the tournament and Uruguay joined Brazil and Chile in a very South American quarter of the knockout round bracket.

Very slow entrance to the game as neither side could afford to concede a goal in this match. Uruguay got the better of the chances in the opening third of the game but could not find any finishing touches towards goal. Edinson Cavani in particular had a tough day as he tried to orchestrate the Uruguay offence against a stingy Italian back 5.

Uruguay nearly found the opening goal in the 33rd minute but were turned away by some brilliant play by Italy's Gianluigi Buffon. Buffon stoned Luis Suarez from close range and then shot across the area to get hands to a Nicolas Lodeiro followup that may have been goal-bound.

That was the best chance in a first half where the stars were largely absent. Suarez name was hardly mentioned outside of that shot and Mario Balotelli was a waste of a jersey, picking up a brutal yellow card and offering nothing towards goal. Balotelli's game and World Cup were mercifully ended by a halftime substitution.

As the second half wore on, Uruguay began to take control of the game as Italy fell in to a more defensive stance, playing for the draw. Cristian Rodriguez got through the Italian lines but his toe poke on the ball scooted wide of Buffon's goal. The tide turned right after though.

With Italy threatening in the Uruguay half, Claudio Marchisio ended up drawing a straight red card for a hard foul on a Uruguay player. The red card seemed harsh at first glance although the replay showed Marchisio went studs first in to the player above the shin pads.

Down a man, pressure kept building on the Italy goal. Luis Suarez snuck through and his shot was just turned away by the glove of Buffon. Alvaro Gonzalez lobbed a long ball in to the area that was barely cleared by Andrea Barzagli amongst a sea of Uruguay shirts.

The dam gave way though in the 81st minute on a corner kick. Diego Godin mistimed his jump in the penalty area but still managed to get his back on the ball and directed it inside the near post past the diving Buffon. The lone goal gave Uruguay the victory and sent them through to the knockout round while Italy head home.

The game was marred by an ugly incident just prior to the goal. After the ball had left the Italian zone, Luis Suarez appeared to bite Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder. Both players went down with Chiellini frantically trying to show the ref his shoulder, which had clear bite marks on it. Suarez has been involved with 2 biting incidents previously and while the incident was missed by the referee, it can be reviewed by FIFA. Anything short of a tournament bank for Suarez would be a stunning decision by FIFA, especially given his history with biting incidents.

Goals

Italy: N/A
Uruguay: Diego Godin (81')

Discipline

Italy: Mario Balotelli (Yellow 22'), Claudio Marchisio (Red 59'), De Sciglio (Yellow 77')
Uruguay: Egidio Arevalo Rios (Yellow 46'), Fernando Muslera (Yellow 90+1')

Man of the Match

Gianluigi Buffon was named Man of the Match. First time I can recall fans voting a losing player as MOTM this tournament and they're absolutely correct. Had no hope on the goal but made a great double save on Suarez and Lodeiro in the first half and again on Suarez point-blank in the second half. Kept Italy in this game longer then they should have been.

Key Moment

With Italy looking confident on defence on their way to the draw they required, Claudio Marchisio got his studs in to the knee of a Uruguayan player in a midfield challenge. The tackle drew a straight red card from the referee and doomed Italy to holding off Uruguay down a man, a task they could not complete. A questionable decision as well. It was a bad tackle and worthy of at least a yellow card. Not sure a straight red card was warranted in a game of that magnitude though.

What we learned from Italy

No attacking bite from this team at all which is why they're heading home early for the second straight World Cup. Balotelli was a non-factor again and was rightfully substituted at halftime. One way or another, card or sub, Balotelli wasn't finishing that game. Italy sent Immobile out as a second striker and he was absolutely dreadful all match. Missed De Rossi defensively but this team needs to find some attackers they can rely on that aren't named Balotelli.

What we learned from Uruguay

Very talented in all facets of the game. Also giving everyone a reason to hate them. Suarez shouldn't see another minute of action in the tournament after his actions. And this is coming after Alvaro Pereira was sent back on the field with a concussion last game against England. No regard for player safety whatsoever. Will not escape their quarter of the knockout round bracket.

Going Forward 

Italy are headed home. The 2006 champions have not gotten back to the knockout round since their last championship.

Uruguay is likely looking at a date with Colombia in the Round of 16 with Brazil/Chile looming after. If FIFA have any sense at all (which they don't), they will have to get by without Luis Suarez. This team needs Suarez to be successful and will likely struggle in his absence.

Game 38 Recap: Costa Rica 0-0 England

COSTA RICA 0-0 ENGLAND

Pointless game, no goals and both sides looked to be cruising. Foregoing a recap in favour of petitioning FIFA to ban Suarez for being a serial biter.

Goals: Nope

Discipline

Costa Rica: Giancarlo Gonzalez (Yellow 60')

England: Ross Barkley (Yellow 53'), Adam Lallana (Yellow 57')

Man of the Match:  Costa Rica GK Keylor Navas

Game 37 Starting Lineups (Italy vs. Uruguay)

Game Preview here.
Starting lineups below:

Italy

Interesting. 5 defenders in the lineup. This is a guess on formation. 4 changes in personnel. Immobile, Verratti, Bonucci and De Sciglio in. Candreva, Motta, Abate and De Rossi (injury) out.



Substitutes:


Goalkeepers: Mattia Perin (#13), Salvatore Sirigu (#12)

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (#7), Gabriel Paletta (#20)

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (#14), Antonio Candreva (#6), Daniele De Rossi (#16), Thiago Motta (#5), Marco Parolo (#18)

Forwards: Antonio Cassano (#10), Alessio Cerci (#11), Lorenzo Insigne (#22)


Uruguay

No changes for Uruguay.



Substitutes:


Goalkeepers: Rodrigo Munoz (#12), Martin Silva (#23)

Defenders: Sebastian Coates (#19), Jorge Fucile (#4), Diego Lugano (#2), Maxi Pereira (#16)

Midfielders: Walter Gargano (#5), Diego Perez (#15), Gaston Ramirez (#18)

Forwards: Diego Forlan (#10), Abel Hernandez (#8), Christian Stuani (#11)

Game 38 Starting Lineups (Costa Rica vs. England)

Game Preview here.
Starting lineups below:

Costa Rica

2 changes for Costa Rica. Brenes and Miller giving Umana and Bolanos a rest.





Substitutes:


Goalkeepers: Daniel Cambronero (#23), Patrick Pemberton (#18)

Defenders: Johnny Acosta (#2), Waylon Francis (#12), David Myrie (#8), Michael Umana (#4)

Midfielders: Michael Barrantes (#11), Christian Bolanos (#7), Diego Calvo (#20), Jose Miguel Cubero (#22), Esteban Granados (#13)

Forwards: Marco Urena (#21)


England

England emptying the bench so to speak.



Substitutes:


Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (#22), Joe Hart (#1)

Defenders: Phil Jagielka (#6), Glen Johnson (#2)

Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (#4), Jordan Henderson (#14), Raheem Sterling (#19)

Forwards: Rickie Lambert (#18), Wayne Rooney (#10), Danny Welbeck (#11)

Game 38 Preview: Costa Rica vs. England

COSTA RICA vs. ENGLAND

 Date: June 24, 2014

Time: 12:00 p.m. EDT

Venue: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte

Overall Head-to-Head Record (W-L-T): N/A

Last Match: N/A

Line: England -125

Group D Preview here.

Starting Lineups posted separately once they're announced.

Team Profiles 

World Ranking: Costa Rica (28th), England (10th)

Managers: Jorge Luis Pinto (CRC), Roy Hodgson (ENG)

Captains: Bryan Ruiz (CRC), Steven Gerrard (ENG)

World Cup Appearances: 4 (CRC), 14 (ENG)

Best Finish: Costa Rica (Round of 16, 1990), England (Champions, 1966)

Qualifying Records: Costa Rica (8-4-4, GF: 27, GA: 12), England (6-0-4, GF: 31, GA: 4)

Previous Game Results

Costa Rica

June 14th - Costa Rica def. Uruguay 3-1
June 20th - Costa Rica def. Italy 1-0 

England

June 14th - Italy def. England 2-1
June 20th - Uruguay def. England 2-1

Rosters

Injuries/Discipline

Costa Rica: Jose Miguel Cubero (Yellow Card)
England: Leighton Baines (Out - Hamstring), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Out - Knee)

Overview

Not exactly the circumstances under which people assumed this game would take place going in to the tournament. The lowest-ranked team in the group that featured 3 former champions, Costa Rica are the lone Group D team that has clinched a spot in the knockout round while England are just playing out the game so they can go home with their tail between their legs.

England named their squad last night and will give starting time to almost all their bench players in this contest. Costa Rica have said they will likely rest players as well in this contest. Second-string teams facing off in an ultimately meaningless game while Italy-Uruguay play at the same time. You can hear the TV execs swooning already.

Costa Rica still with plenty to play for. A draw is enough to lock up first place in the group for them and will allow them to avoid a dangerous Colombia team in the Round of 16 as a result. England will look to play a spoiler role while they give some of their very young bench players starting time in a World Cup game.

England should still go with a 4-2-3-1 formation but only Daniel Sturridge and Gary Cahill are expected to carry over from last games starting lineup to this one. Ben Foster should feature in goal and Frank Lampard is expected to captain the team in place of Steven Gerrard.

Costa Rica have employed a 5-3-2 formation to great success in this tournament and should keep that in place even if they do rest players. The formation has befuddled top teams like Italy and Uruguay and is expected to pose similar problems for this English team today.

Personnel

In the Costa Rican Third: Daniel Sturridge has been one of the lone bright spots for England this tournament and will be a handful for the Costa Rican defence. It's to be seen where his support play will come from although there are a number of options in Barkley, Lallana and Lampard. Costa Rica have shut down tougher lineups then this though and that shouldn't change today. Advantage: Costa Rica.

In the Midfield: Costa Rica will likely test some things out in the midfield this game but this is still a team that likes to hold back defensively and launch the long balls to Campbell and Ruiz to get forward quickly. England should have more bodies in the midfield but what difference that may make is hard to predict. Advantage: Even.

In the English Third: Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz have been a revelation for Costa Rica in this World Cup. They're also among the names expected to rest if Costa Rica do sit players down. I have no faith in England's substitute defenders but Costa Rica have little depth behind those two. Advantage: Even.

Goalkeeping: Keylor Navas has been the best goalkeeper in the group so far. Ben Foster only recently came out of international retirement and did not look sharp in pre-tournament action. Advantage: Costa Rica.

Costa Rica will win if:

Pressure England in to turnovers in the midfield. Can do this with the central midfielders and wing backs while still leaving the 3 centre backs behind. Attack the left flank offensively. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling should take up defence in that side of the field, a thought which any Manchester United fan can tell you is a scary proposition for a national team.

England will win if:

Need better defensive awareness of what's happening around their penalty area and must attack Costa Rica with the ball rather then play possession game in midfield. At least 3 of the 4 goals England have surrendered this tournament were due to poor marking and losing track of assignments. Costa Rica don't have the individual skill their past opponents do but will be more then happy to put the ball away if left alone. Spent too much time standing around against Uruguay in particular. Bring the game to Costa Rica and test how stout their central defence is.

Prediction

An easy-going game as both teams are testing out formation/personnel etc. Costa Rica looks for the win but England manage a goal at some point.

England 1-1 Costa Rica

Game 37 Preview: Italy vs. Uruguay

ITALY vs. URUGUAY

 Date: June 24, 2014

Time: 12:00 p.m. EDT

Venue: Estadio das Dunas, Natal

Overall Head-to-Head Record (W-L-T): 3-2-4 Uruguay

Last Match: 2013 Confederations Cup (Third Place). Italy tied Uruguay 2-2.
Italy won 3-2 in penalty kicks.

Line: Italy +165

Group D Preview here.

Starting Lineups posted separately once they're announced.

Team Profiles 

World Ranking: Italy (9th), Uruguay (7th)

Managers: Cesare Prandelli (ITA), Oscar Tabarez (URU)

Captains: Gianluigi Buffon (ITA), Diego Lugano (URU)

World Cup Appearances: 18 (ITA), 12 (URU)

Best Finish: Italy (4x Champions, Last in 2006), Uruguay (2x Champions, Last in 1950)

Qualifying Records: Italy (6-0-4, GF: 19, GA: 9), Uruguay (8-5-5, GF: 30, GA: 25)

Previous Game Results

Italy

June 14th - Italy def. England 2-1

June 20th - Costa Rica def. Italy 1-0

Uruguay

June 14th - Costa Rica def. Uruguay 3-1
June 20th - Uruguay def. England 2-1

Rosters

Injuries/Discipline

Italy: Mario Balotelli (Yellow Card), Daniele De Rossi (Questionable - Calf)
Uruguay: Martin Caceres (Yellow Card), Walter Gargano (Yellow Card), Diego Godin (Yellow Card), Diego Lugano (Yellow Card, Questionable - Knee), Alvaro Pereira (Questionable - Head)

Overview

It's an early knockout game for the two former champions as both try to secure at least second place in Group D. Both upset by Costa Rica earlier in group play, only one of these teams will advance to play further with Italy holding the slightest of tiebreakers.

Uruguay are the hot team coming in to the game, having rebounded from their early loss with a win over England which saw star forward Luis Suarez notch 2 goals coming back from injury. Worse for Italy, Suarez looked healthy that game and has said since that he is back to full strength.

While Uruguay look set up front, Italy can't exactly say the same. Their top striker Mario Balotelli hasn't looked on form at all this tournament and their have been calls from Italian fans to sit down the enigmatic forward in favour of surprise inclusion Ciro Immobile. While tough to see Cesare Prandelli sitting Balotelli down, Prandelli has acknowledged in interviews that changes need to be made to the squad that was shut out by Costa Rica last week.

Italy should stick with their 4-3-2-1 formation unless Prandelli really wants to experiment. They may have to do so without Daniele De Rossi in the midfield who is nursing an injury. First-choice left back Mattia De Sciglio should be available for selection for the first time this tournament though.

Uruguay will likely go with the same front six that played against England. They still have concerns defensively with captain Diego Lugano still injured. They will have Maxi Pereira back from suspension though in this game.

Personnel

In the Italian Third: Italy are likely to throw out their 3rd different back line in as many games with De Sciglio back from injury. They may be able to get players in the correct positions now but the lack of consistency in both personnel and performance to-date is concerning for Italy fans. More concerning is Luis Suarez saying he is and looking to be 100 percent. A healthy Suarez will carve up any team, and Italy should be without De Rossi to boot. Advantage: Uruguay.

In the Midfield: Italy the big passing and possession team in this one although Uruguay did look good at controlling tempo and play against England. Italy's a definite step up though in terms of calibre of play in this section of the pitch. Won't overwhelm teams like they can but Italy should have control in this game. Advantage: Italy.

In the Uruguayan Third: The biggest unknown and likely what will determine if Italy is successful or not. Uruguay are not known for their defence, and while they shut down England effectively, they aren't a team known to get consistent performances from game to game. Italy have their own concerns too though. They've been static offensively much of the time and Balotelli hasn't gotten going at all as the lone striker. Will come down to which team steps up more. Until then neither team with an edge. Advantage: Even.

Goalkeeping: Same story as the Uruguay defence, Muslera is capable of brilliant saves or could be standing still watching balls rain past. Buffon the safe bet based on experience and calibre of play over the years. Advantage: Italy.

Italy will win if:

Make penetrating runs at the Uruguay back line and if nothing else, keep Suarez out of scoring positions. One of the reasons Uruguay looked so good defensively against England was the English were comfortable passing the ball around the exterior of their defensive shell. Easy to defend when teams aren't forcing you out of position. Italy have to get inside the lines and Uruguay penalty area to break down their shape in order to be successful. Much easier said then done but defensively, Suarez has to be locked down. However they choose to do it, he cannot be given an inch to operate. Ask England what happens when he is.

Uruguay will win if:

Repeat the gameplan from last game. Have to play a defensive style of soccer and count on Suarez and Cavani to generate offensive chances. Italy's attackers haven't looked sharp this tournament but they're deadly when allowed to do what they want to do. Uruguay don't have the luxury of a tie to advance but have to play defence first. Goals should come with Suarez healthy, can't force them and abandon your end in the pursuit of them.

Prediction

Should be a very close game, should be a very good game. I'm not convinced Uruguay can hold their back line together against Italy for 90 minutes but I also don't think Italy have a lot of teeth up front. Suarez again works his magic and gets Uruguay through to the Round of 16.

Uruguay 2-1 Italy

Standings Update: June 22nd

One group match remaining for each team. Here are the current standings and scenarios for each group. Have to look closer at each match but have also provided my picks for final order.

Group A

Team	W	L	T	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
Brazil	1	0	1	3	1	2	4
Mexico	1	0	1	1	0	1	4
Croatia	1	1	0	5	3	2	3
Cameroon	0	2	0	0	5	-5	0

Eliminated: Cameroon

To Advance:

Brazil advance with:

• a WIN or DRAW
• a LOSS if the Mexico/Croatia game does not end in a DRAW and Brazil hold the goal differential tiebreaker

Mexico advance with:

• a WIN or DRAW
• a LOSS if Brazil lose by at least 2 more goals then Mexico does.

Croatia advance with:

• a WIN
• a DRAW with a Brazil LOSS. 

Game to Watch: Mexico vs. Croatia

Prediction

1. Brazil
2. Mexico
3. Croatia
4. Cameroon

 Group B

Team	W	L	T	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
Netherlands	2	0	0	8	3	5	6
Chile	2	0	0	5	1	4	6
Australia	0	2	0	3	6	-3	0
Spain	0	2	0	1	7	-6	0

Advanced: Netherlands, Chile
Eliminated: Australia, Spain

Game to Watch: Netherlands vs. Chile

Prediction

1. Netherlands
2. Chile
3. Spain
4. Australia

Group C

Team	W	L	T	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
Colombia	2	0	0	5	1	4	6
Ivory Coast	1	1	0	3	3	0	3
Japan	0	1	1	1	2	-1	1
Greece	0	1	1	0	3	-3	1

Advanced: Colombia

To Advance:

Ivory Coast advance with:

• a WIN
• a DRAW with
• a Japan DRAW/LOSS, or;
• a Japan WIN provided Japan win by less than 2 and Ivory Coast hold the goals for tiebreaker.

Japan advance with:

• a WIN and;
• an Ivory Coast LOSS or; 
• an Ivory Coast DRAW if Japan win by 2 or more goals or score at least 3 more goals than Ivory Coast.

Greece advance with:

• a WIN and;
• a Japan DRAW/LOSS or;
• a Japan WIN provided Greece win by at least 2 more goals than Japan.

Game to Watch: Ivory Coast vs. Greece

Predictions

1. Colombia
2. Ivory Coast
3. Greece
4. Japan

Group D

Team	W	L	T	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
Costa Rica	2	0	0	4	1	3	6
Italy	1	1	0	2	2	0	3
Uruguay	1	1	0	3	4	-1	3
England	0	2	0	2	4	-2	0

Advanced: Costa Rica
Eliminated: England

To Advance:

Italy will advance with a WIN/DRAW.
Uruguay will advance with a WIN.


Game to Watch: Italy vs. Uruguay

Predictions:

1. Costa Rica
2. Uruguay
3. Italy
4. England

Group E

Team	W	L	T	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
France	2	0	0	8	2	6	6
Ecuador	1	1	0	3	3	0	3
Switzerland	1	1	0	4	6	-2	3
Honduras	0	2	0	1	5	-4	0

To Advance:

France advance with:

• a WIN/DRAW or;
• a LOSS and;
• a Honduras WIN/DRAW or;
• a Switzerland WIN if the goal differential in both games is less than 8 or;
• France LOSE by 3 goals or less

Ecuador advance with:

•  a WIN and;
• a Honduras WIN/DRAW or;
• a Switzerland WIN provided Switzerland win by less than 2 more goals than Ecuador
• a DRAW and a Honduras WIN/DRAW
• a LOSS and a Honduras WIN provided the combined goal differential is less than 4 goals.

Switzerland advance with:

• a WIN and;
• an Ecuador DRAW/LOSS or;
• an Ecuador WIN provided they hold a tiebreaker against either France or Ecuador

• a DRAW with an Ecuador LOSS
• a LOSS by 1 goal with an Ecuador LOSS provided they hold tiebreakers against both Ecuador and Honduras

Honduras advance with:

• a WIN and an Ecuador LOSS provided the combined goal differential in both games is at least 4.

Game to Watch: Both technically, although France not beating Ecuador would be a huge surprise. Switzerland-Honduras the most impactful on advancement.

Predictions:

1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Ecuador
4. Honduras

Group F

Team	W	L	T	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
Argentina	2	0	0	3	1	2	6
Nigeria	1	0	1	1	0	1	4
Iran	0	1	1	0	1	-1	1
Bosnia	0	2	0	1	3	-2	0

Advanced: Argentina
Eliminated: Bosnia

To advance:

Nigeria advance with:

• a WIN/DRAW or:
• a LOSS with;
• an Iran DRAW/LOSS or:
• an Iran WIN provided goal differential in both games is 1 and Nigeria have more goals for.

Iran advance with a WIN and a Nigeria LOSS provided the combined goal differential in their games is at least 3 or Iran hold the goals for tiebreaker.

Game to Watch: Argentina/Nigeria. Iran should not beat Bosnia and Argentina/Nigeria promises to be more exciting.

Predictions:

1. Argentina
2. Nigeria
3. Bosnia
4. Iran

Group G

Team	W	L	T	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
Germany	1	0	1	6	2	4	4
USA	1	0	1	4	3	1	4
Ghana	0	1	1	3	4	-1	1
Portugal	0	1	1	2	6	-4	1

To Advance:

Germany advance with:

• a WIN/DRAW or;
• a LOSS with;
• a Ghana DRAW or;
• a Ghana WIN/LOSS provided they hold the tiebreaker.

 USA advance with:

• a WIN/DRAW or;
• a LOSS with;
• a Ghana DRAW or;
• a Ghana WIN/LOSS provided they hold the tiebreaker.

Ghana advance with a WIN and a Germany WIN/LOSS provided they hold the tiebreaker.

Portugal advance with a WIN and a Germany WIN/LOSS provided they hold the tiebreaker.

Game to Watch: Ghana vs. Portugal

Predictions:

1. Germany
2. Ghana
3. USA
4. Portugal

Group H

Team	W	L	T	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
Belgium	2	0	0	3	1	2	6
Algeria	1	1	0	5	4	1	3
Russia	0	1	1	1	2	-1	1
South Korea	0	1	1	3	5	-2	1

Advanced: Belgium

To Advance:

Algeria advance with:

• a WIN or;
• a DRAW with:
• a South Korea DRAW/LOSS or;
• a South Korea WIN provided Korea win by 2 goals or less.

Russia advance with a WIN and;

• a South Korea DRAW/LOSS or;
• a South Korea WIN provided Russia wins by a larger margin than Korea.

South Korea advance with a WIN and;

• an Algeria DRAW provided Korea win by at least 3 goals or;
• a Russia WIN provided Korea win by a larger margin than Russia.

Game to Watch: Algeria vs. Russia

Predictions:

1. Belgium
2. Algeria
3. Russia
4. South Korea