Group C and Group D Preview

Group D concludes today with games at 11:00. England plays Costa Rica, and Italy plays Uruguay. At 2:00 the teams from group C finish their matches. Greece plays the Ivory Coast, and Colombia plays Japan.

Costa Rica vs England

Costa Rica come into the game already qualified for the next stage. They have the opportunity to not only advance, but win their group with at least a draw against England, who are already eliminated. England will look to salvage something from this World Cup, while also trying to avoid the same fate that Italy and Uruguay suffered at the hands of Costa Rica. I think England just wants to get on the plane out of Brazil, while Costa Rica are looking to add another top team to their list of victories. 

Costa Rica 0 England 1 

Italy vs Uruguay

Italy and Uruguay are facing off to be the 2nd team out of group D. Italy need a draw or a win to advance. Uruguay need a win in order to advance. Italy looked unimpressive going forward in their 2nd match against Costa Rica, while Luis Suarez's introduction has inspired the Uruguayan attack force. Italy will look to keep the game low scoring and Uruguay will wait for a Suarez moment of magic to win them the game. Ultimately I think the Italians will stifle the Suarez, and with the rest of the team lacking offensive creativity, they will struggle to score. 

Italy 1 Uruguay 0

Ivory Coast vs Greece

The Ivorians can advance with a draw if Japan loses to Colombia, but they know a win will put them into the next round no matter what. They have certainly looked like the 2nd best team in the group, but if they lose this game they will be heading home. Greece can only go through with a win in addition to a Japan loss. The Greeks will come out and defend like they always do. They will try to score off of set pieces and counter attacks. The Ivorians play positive and attacking football. The Greeks have looked terrible so far in this tournament, but I have a strange feeling they will pull this one out. 

Greece 1 Ivory Coast 0

Colombia vs Japan

Colombia have already assured themselves qualification and they have looked far and away the best team in the group. The Japanese need a win and some help in order to advance. Colombia look fluid in attack and solid in defense. Cuadrado and Rodriguez look as dangerous as any other players in the tournament. I think this match against Japan is probably the easiest one of the group stage for the Colombians.

Colombia 3 Japan 1