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World Cup 2014: The Major Questions, Team by Team – Group D

By on June 5, 2014

Group D

Will the heat affect Andrea Pirlo?

Even at the age of 34 Andrea Pirlo remains pivotal to the Italian national team. His performances in the center of midfield at Euro 2012 was one of the main reasons behind Italy’s passage to the final. However, will he be as effective in Brazil taking the heat and other factors into account? Italy have based themselves in Mangaratiba in the state of Rio De Janeiro, miles from where their games are taking place in Manaus, Recife and Natal. Surely the veteran Pirlo will be one of the first to suffer from such circumstances. However, there could be an argument to suggest the heat may benefit the slow place and control he dictates on the game. Especially when Italy face England, he’ll have more time on the ball given the English won’t be able to chase as they did in the Euro 2012 Quarter-Final.

Will England blossom?

England perhaps have more to be optimistic about going into this World Cup than they did the last. Finally some quality players are being noticed in English football. Ross Barkley, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge are just a few of the English names that have been tremendous this season. The pace, dynamism and vision they bring to the game has been exciting to watch this season and they have earned deserved comparisons with their Continental  counterparts. For the first time in a long time, England may have one of the more thrilling frontlines in the World Cup.

Can Luis Suarez carry Uruguay?

The 27-year-old has been tremendous for Liverpool this season, but whether he can bring that form into the World Cup is another question. With the rest of the squad aging and Edinson Cavani’s form a major worry, he will have to deal with expectations of nation who may want to go one better than the Semi-Final finish at the last world cup in South Africa, which was a surprise itself.

Can Costa Rica surprise?

Costa Rica are expected to finish bottom of the group and rightly so; currently ranked 34 they are placed the lowest of the four teams. But can they cause an upset? They do have some well-known European names in the form of Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell. Also taking into account their qualifying campaign, they were a lot better than USA and Mexico when they played them in San Jose, and secured victories in both games. If they can bring the spirit that carried them through, there’s no reason why they can’t cause a problem even if it’s just deciding who finishes third.

About James Cartwright

Sports Journalism student - Long suffering Boro and Steelers fan.