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World Cup Preview: Group D

By on May 26, 2014

England, Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica are set to battle it out for two places the last 16 of the World Cup. Here, Dan Bannell previews the group.

England

England will be hoping for a big improvement from their shambolic performance in South Africa in the 2010 World Cup, though it certainly won’t be easy. Group D is definitely one of the toughest and England will almost certainly have to be at their best to finish in the top two and progress to the next round. Expectations for England’s World Cup journey have never been lower – the general opinion is that Brazil is going to be a learning experience for England’s young stars, such as Ross Barkley and Luke Shaw, in preparation for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Strengths:

This is undoubtedly one of the most inexperienced squads that England have taken to a World Cup, and many people see this a disadvantage, however, I feel it could work in England’s favor. England’s youngster are somewhat of an unknown quantity compared to the likes of the more experienced players in the squad such as Steven Gerrard, therefore this could give England that spontaneous edge – which they are usually criticized for lacking. Roy Hodgson also has some superb wingers in his England squad who could be big influences late on in games, especially against aging defenders, such as Italy’s.

Weaknesses:

The obvious weakness is the other side to England’s strength – the inexperience of a lot of players in Roy Hogsdon squad that could potentially lead to naivety. Another weakness for England will be trying to contend with the hot humid conditions which maybe slightly easier for other nations to deal with. England must try to keep possession of the ball better in Brazil to stand a chance of advancing from the group.

Key Player:

You can’t look past Wayne Rooney as England’s star player; he was in impressive form for a struggling Manchester United team last season and will hope to carry on this form into the World Cup. His experience will key in England team and he will be desperate to score his first goal ever in a World Cup Finals.

Italy

I think we’re in for a more typical Italian style performance at this year’s World Cup than the outward attacking side they featured at Euro 2012. The Azzurri will be more reliant on their defense because of their aging midfield, and are quite unlikely to take the attacking initiative in any of their games. However, it must be noted that Italy are likely to include some younger faces in their team too, such as forwards Ciro Immobile and Mattia Destro who will be looking to announce themselves on the World’s greatest stage.

Strengths:

Italy’s ability to keep the ball well will give them a huge advantage in the Brazilian climate, especially when playing England in Manaus. You also cannot doubt the Italian’s technical ability, Andrea Pirlo will be the hub of the Italian team once again this summer – they will undoubtedly look to his fantastic passing ability and set pieces to create goal scoring opportunities.

Weaknesses:

The Italians are often criticized for their lack of movement in midfield, and this is definitely going to be a particular issue for the Azzurri given their aging midfielders, like Pirlo. It could mean that they find it hard to link defense and midfield with the attack, with a distinct lack of runners in midfield. Their aging squad could also prove an issue in the later stages of the games, although they will have experience in abundance, fatigue could start to creep in.

Key Player:

It has to be the majestic maestro himself, Andrea Pirlo. He will be looking to get hold of the ball deep in midfield and use his superb vision and passing ability to cut defenses open in an instant. Pirlo also acts a superb calming presence in the Italian midfield and is always dangerous from set pieces.

Uruguay

The Uruguayan’s will be hoping for a repeat of ‘The Maracana Blow’ – their shock 2-1 victory in 1950 World Cup in none other than Brazil. They will certainly be hoping to go one better than the semifinal they reached in South Africa back in 2010. Yet they are facing a scare as Luis Suarez is battling with an injury in an attempt to be fit for Uruguay’s World Cup campaign; if he were to miss it would unquestionably be a huge miss for them.

Strengths:

Uruguay tend to play with five at the back with two holding midfielders in front of them, therefore it makes it very unlikely that they will be hit by a surprise counter attack. The team will be commanded by Arevalo Rios, who will get the midfield and defense to move as a unit as they look to link up with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani up top.

Weaknesses:

Uruguay’s lack of pace at the back is likely to be a problem; it makes them quite susceptible to giving up lots of free-kicks and picking up bookings which can, of course, lead to a disastrous dismissal. Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is also rather hit and miss, one minute he can make a crucial save and the next he will flapping a cross and making basic errors.

Key Player:

Given that he is fit in time for the World Cup, Luis Suarez is of course Uruguay’s key man. The striker has been in unstoppable form for his club and his country this season. He is already la Celeste’s all time leading scorer after he recently scored for in the battering of Chile, and will look to dazzle opponents and give Uruguay that special edge that could be required to advance from Group D.

Costa Rica

Nobody has really given Costa Rica a chance of even progressing from Group D, as The Ticos are faced with one of the groups “of death”. However, they will be hoping for a repeat of 1990 World Cup in which they were a total revelation. In recent times they narrowly lost to Brazil 1-0 and drawn with current World Champions Spain 1-1, showing that they mustn’t be forgotten about in the depths of Group D.

Strengths:

Costa Rica are looking quite strong defensively, mainly down to the work of new coach Pinto. Their defenders are very rarely caught out of position and are an extremely ‘annoying’ side to try and break down.

Weaknesses:

Conceding the first goal has been a problem for Costa Rica, often after they concede it looks as though they have no plan B. The 4-0 hammering they received from Chile back in January is evidence that they are prone to collapsing altogether after conceding one goal.

Key Player:

The Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas is definitely going to have to be in top form, as he has been this season, for Cost Rica to stand any chance at all of qualifying for the last 16. He’s often been man of the match for La Liga side Levante this season and he’ll want to show the top European clubs what he has to offer this summer.

Group D Matches:

Uruguay v Costa Rica (June 14th KO: 8:00pm)

England v Italy (June 14th KO: 11:00pm)

Uruguay v England (June 19th KO: 8:00pm)

Italy v Costa Rica (June 20th KO: 5:00pm)

Costa Rica v England (June 24th KO: 5:00pm)

Italy v Uruguay (June 24th KO 5:00pm)

About Dan Bannell