Today's Featured Game:
England vs. Italy
Many people include England, when they talk about the top nations in the World; However, they haven't done anything, in major competitions, that warrants such high praise. They are probably in the top 15 teams in the world, but they are not one of the elite teams. Their only World Cup triumph came in 1966, on their home soil. In recent times they have had little success on the world stage. At the previous World Cup, they suffered a thrashing at the hands of the Germans in the round of 16, 4-1. The team, on paper, seems to have the quality to win the World Cup, with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, and Steven Gerrard. But looking good on paper doesn't always translate to results on the pitch. If England want to continue to be considered one of the top international sides, they will have to prove that they can win, when it counts.
Italy is the second most successful nation in World Cup history. With four titles to their name, the most recent in 2006, they have proven time and time again that they are a force in international competition. 4 years ago in South Africa, their World Cup ended in the group stage. Their aging squad didn't have the hunger or intensity that the tournament demanded. Over the next couple of years, following their dismal display in 2010, the make-up of the Italian team shifted slightly. A few of their aging stars retired from the international team, and the squad received an injection of youth and attacking options. the Italians have always played solid defense, but now they have a quality strike force with players like Ballotelli, Immobile, and Cerci. Just 2 years after crashing out of the world cup, they reached the finals of the 2012 European Championships. Their team is one with a nice mix of veteran and young players. If their star goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is able to recover from his injury, and help his side get out of the tough group D, they have a great chance at a deep cup run.
Players to Watch:
England
Daniel Sturridge (Forward) - One of the best strikers in the Premier League this season. Sturridge's left foot is deadly in and around the box. Sometimes his execution isn't quite right, but h is speed and killer instinct are going to give anyone problems.
Wayne Rooney (Foward) - The face of the England team. Rooney as failed to perform at his previous 2 world cups. He has long been touted as England's top attacking option, it's time he shows his worth on the global stage.
Italy
Mario Ballotelli (Foward) - An enigma. That is the best way to describe the frontman for the Italians. Ballotelli has come up huge in big games for the Italy, but most of the time he fails to make his presence known. He has the potential to score goals in bunches. The problem is, he also has the same potential to do something absolutely ridiculous (in a bad way).
Andrea Pirlo (Midfielder) - The Italian puppet master. He will be pulling all of the stings for the Italians. His prowess on set pieces, and his ability to pick out the killer pass, has been the difference in numerous times.
Game Prediction:
This match between two giants of Europe with live up to its hype. I think it will be an open game with some beautiful football. The midfield battle will be crucial. Both teams field veterans in the middle of the park.
Score Prediction:
Italy 2 England 1
Today's Other Matches
Uruguay vs Costa Rica
This game should be no contest. Uruguay has world class player all over the field, where Costa Rica doesn't have any. Suarez, if healthy, along with Cavani will have a chance to pad their goal tallies for the tournament.
Score Prediction: Uruguay 5 Costa Rica 0
Ivory Coast vs Japan
The strong and powerful Ivorians will have their hands full with a very capable Japanese side. Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba will lead the African side into battle, with Shinji Kagawa and the rest of the Japanese team.
Score Prediction: Ivory Coast 1 Japan 2
Colombia vs Greece
(I didn't wake up in time to write this before that match.)
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