Wilson Palacios, the Claude Makelele of the Potteries, is the heartbeat of the team and one of many squad members from the Garifuna ethnic group but Honduran hopes will be riding on the youngest member of their squad, Andy Najar. The 21-year-old winger has blossomed at Anderlecht, where he was selected by 70% of the fans’ vote as Belgian player of the month in March.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace …
Carlo Costly has failed to settle with nine teams in eight countries – refusing to return to a Polish side because it was “horribly cold” – and took a swipe at the national coach on Facebook after he was left out of one squad. He does, though, have his own signature style of dummy, the Costlynha – a fake dragback followed by sharp acceleration.
The coach
Luis Fernando Suarez. A more stable figure than his Uruguayan namesake, the Colombian – who led Ecuador to the second round in 2006 before losing to England – has taken Honduras to the finals. Anything else is a bonus.
Grudge match
Any match against Costa Rica is always a battle for Central American supremacy – el clásico centroamericano. In qualification, two tight encounters between the sides each finished 1-0 to the home team. Mind you, if both Central American teams make it out of their groups you could probably retire on the payout from bookmakers.
Holed up
Los Catrachos – a name derived from a 19th-century general who fought against William Walker’s US empire-building “filibusters”– will flop at the Hotel Transamérica in Porto Feliz, São Paulo state, and have taken steps against homesickness by asking for six dedicated Spanish-language TV channels, including two from Honduras.
How they qualified
An away win in Mexico and strong home form secured the third automatic qualifying spot behind Costa Rica and the USA.
World Cup high
A 1-1 draw against hosts Spain in Valencia in their first ever World Cup finals match in 1982. They drew their second match against Northern Ireland before losing to Yugoslavia.
World Cup low
Vladimir Petrovic’s 88th-minute penalty for Yugoslavia in that final game in 1982 denied Honduras the glory of a place in the second round and allowed hosts Spain to progress.
Familiar faces
Maynor Figueroa (Hull), Wilson Palacios (Stoke), Roger Espinoza (Wigan).
Title odds: 500/1
The stereotype is …
Win, lose or draw they just want to party, soak up the atmosphere and put themselves in the shop window for a move to Europe.
The reality is …
They desperately want to win a game at a World Cup. By any means possible, even nefarious ones. And maybe party a little. Honduras are expected to line up in a vogueish 4-2-3-1 but the basic facts are that they are physically strong, compact and dangerous from set pieces and on counterattacks where the height and power of Costly, whose father Allan played at the 1982 World Cup, can cause problems. Emilio Izaguirre of Celtic is a marauding threat from left-back while Hull’s Maynor Figueroa may be deployed in central defence. The captain Noel Valladares offers experience in goal (118 caps) if not stature (5ft 10in).
What they’re known for:
Being laid back 40 per cent
Coffee 12 per cent
Wilson Palacios 22 per cent
Macaws 26 per cent
How Google translates the national anthem
Pigeons waves with their shields, a volcano. Behind the bare summit there is a bright sun shines.
How long does it last?
Seemingly forever. The Bohemian Rhapsody of national anthems.
How to dress like their fans:
A penchant for face paint makes many fans look like a cross between the Blue Man Group and Kiss.
Commentator’s go-to stat
They have yet to win a game in six attempts at World Cup finals.
16 Antonio Valencia (captain) midfielder, Manchester United
17 Jaime Ayoví forward, Tijuana
18 Oscar Bagui defender, Emelec
19 Luis Saritama midfielder, Barcelona
20 Fidel Martínez midfielder, Tijuana
21 Gabriel Achilier defender, Emelec
22 Alexander Domínguez goalkeeper, Quito
23 Carlos Gruezo midfielder, Stuttgart
Star man
Antonio Valencia was named captain after the death of his friend Christian “Chucho” Benítez – he has a tattoo in his honour – with the coach Reinaldo Rueda reasoning “making him the captain was a way of rallying the group”.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
Defender Jorge Guagua, the squad’s self-styled guv’nor – he prefers to be referred to as “El Patron” – is no stranger to controversy. El Nacional of Quito cried foul when Guagua joined the Ecuadorian champions Emelec two days after El Nacional had announced his signing. Guagua was unrepentant: “A national team player has to be at a big club like Emelec.”
The coach
Reinaldo Rueda. Or, more correctly, Professor Reinaldo Rueda. The 56-year-old Colombian used to teach sports science at a university and managed Honduras at the 2010 World Cup.
Grudge match
Several neighbourly spats: putting one over on Colombia, with whom Ecuador briefly severed diplomatic relations in 2008 over a border incursion by their bigger northern neighbours, would be sweet – a meeting of the teams is known as El Clásico Tricolor. There is also a historic rivalry with Peru, developed over a 19th-century border conflict, and there have been a succession of dramatic and often tense recent encounters with Uruguay.
Holed up
The secluded Hotel Vila Ventura in Viamão in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul is a luxury eco resort with its own full-sized football pitch, palm-lined ponds and a vast swimming pool with a rather unnerving prison-campesque watchtower looming over it. The hotel has been asked to provide a basket of Ecuadorian varieties of banana in each room daily.
How they qualified
Edged out Uruguayfor the final automatic spot in South America, after overcoming the death of striker Chucho Benítez midway through the qualifying campaign.
World Cup high
Beating Poland and Costa Rica to make the second round in 2006, where they gave England an almighty scare.
World Cup low
Throwing away a 1-0 lead against Mexico and being eliminated from the 2002 tournament.
Familiar faces
Antonio Valencia (Manchester United).
Title odds: 150/1
The stereotype is …
If they had to play at sea level they would never win a match.
The reality is …
Their home fortress helps, but so does their fairly simple approach of keeping it tight at the back, getting it out wide and pinging some crosses in.
Ecuador were unbeaten at home (altitude: 2,800m) but couldn’t buy a win away in qualifying. Benítez’s death last July, at 27, was a huge blow that robbed the side of their star striker. In his absence, the powerful but limited former Manchester City forward Felipe Caicedo will probably lead the line. They’ll aim to get at teams with pacy wide play, with Antonio Valencia on the right and the individualistic Jefferson Montero on the left. The team have experience in defence, in which Walter Ayoví will go into the tournament with more than 90 caps.
What are they known for?
Volcanoes 57 per cent
The Galapagos 28 per cent
That Sash song 15 per cent
How Google translates the national anthem
The heat of the lid was heard; victory after the lid flew; freedom after the victory came; and the lion was heard broken
Duration
Two fairly painless minutes.
How to dress like their fans
Contrary to popular myth, Panama hats actually hail from Ecuador, and flamboyant headgear is an integral part of the Ecuadorian fan’s garb.
Commentator’s go-to stat
Ecuador have been described as a potential banana skin, which makes sense when you find out that it is the world’s biggest exporter of bananas.
Xherdan Shaqiri is only 22 but will grace his second World Cup finals after another season spent in the shadows of Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben et al at Bayern Munich. The forward has excelled when given a chance but Pep Guardiola considers him his “most important bench player”, a forward to fling on to stretch the play with his pace and trickery. The Swiss have come to rely on his surging runs..
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
Tranquillo Barnetta was sent off against Slovenia for two fouls and along with Philippe Senderos is a survivor of the epic punch-up they had with Turkey following victory in a World Cup play-off in 2005.
The coach
One of the great managers of the modern era bows out after the finals when the German Ottmar Hitzfeld calls time on a 31-year coaching career garlanded with medals and one slightly tenuous comparison with spaghetti-sharing Disney mongrel Tramp.
Grudge match
Oh, come on. What about Swiss neutrality? (It would probably have been Turkey – had they qualified). Perhaps, at a push Austria. As hosts in 1954 Switzerland were 3-0 up against Austria but went on to lose 7-5 in 40C heat.
Holed up
The Swiss have requested high-speed internet and French and German language television channels in their hotel, La Torre in Porto Seguro. Other guests staying at the resort – to include some members of the German delegation, whose team are based 20 minutes’ drive away – will be able to mix with the players freely by the pool or on the private beach. The team’s arrival is bad news for local insects, with the hotel promising a massive fumigation programme. “We guarantee that no mosquitos will disturb the players’ sleep,” says the manager.
How they qualified
Unbeaten in Europe’s cakewalk group with seven wins and three draws, finishing seven points ahead of runners-up Iceland.
World Cup high
Quarter-finalists three times, most recently as hosts in 1954 when they were knocked out by Austria in a 7-5 thriller having been 3-0 up. The match was played in 40C heat and remains the highest scoring in any tournament yet.
World Cup low
Lost all three group games in 1962 and again four years later where the nadir was a 5-0 shellacking by West Germany at Hillsborough.
Familiar faces
Philippe Senderos (Fulham), Johan Djourou (Arsenal, on loan at Hamburg).
Title odds: 150/1
The stereotype is …
An 11-man recruitment drive for Dignitas.
The reality is …
Generously seeded but they do have promising, hard-working and surprisingly subtle midfield skill allied to good organisation and positional discipline. Very light up front – a striker of Rickie Lambert standards would improve them.
Hitzfeld’s glittering career has seen him send out sides in everything from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2, though he has become more cautious with the Swiss and tends to like a numerical advantage in midfield. So expect variations on 4-2-3-1 and all that high-press, energetic stuff.
What they’re known for?
Secret banking 31 per cent
Cuckoo clocks 47 per cent
Heidi 8 per cent
Lava-hot liquid cheese 14 per cent
How Google translates the national anthem
God wants the citizen, citizen of God, God does.
Duration
One minute and five seconds, apparently of torture for the Swiss government which considers it so old and boring that they are holding a competition to choose a new one in 2014.
How to dress like their fans
Head to Toe in Red!
Commentator’s go-to stat
Seven billion triangular chunks of Toblerone are manufactured each year in the city of Bern.
7 Franck Ribéry midfielder, Bayern Munich (to be replaced by Morgan Schneiderlin)
8 Mathieu Valbuena midfielder, Marseille
9 Olivier Giroud forward, Arsenal
10 Karim Benzema forward, Real Madrid
11 Antoine Griezmann forward, Real Sociedad
12 Rio Mavuba midfielder, Lille
13 Eliaquim Mangala defender, Porto
14 Blaise Matuidi midfielder, Paris Saint-Germain
15 Bacary Sagna defender, Arsenal
16 Stéphane Ruffier goalkeeper, Saint-Etienne
17 Lucas Digne defender, Paris Saint-Germain
18 Moussa Sissoko midfielder, Newcastle
19 Paul Pogba midfielder, Juventus
20 Loïc Rémy forward, Queens Park Rangers
21 Laurent Koscielny defender, Arsenal
22 Clément Grenier midfielder, Lyon (to be replaced by Rémy Cabella)
23 Mickael Landreau goalkeeper, Bastia
Star man
Karim Benzema has enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career with the Real Madrid forward’s form now transferred more consistently to the national team, for whom he scored three goals on the way to Brazil. Now a father, he finally looks to have come of age and is on Arsenal’s transfer wishlist..
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
Réunion-born striker Dimitri Payet was dumped by Le Havre as a 16-year-old because of his lack of discipline and focus, and several years later headbutted his Saint–Étienne team-mate Blaise Matuidi mid-match before going on strike to force a move to Paris Saint-Germain. He failed, and having admitted his “lifestyle and attitude were no good” is thriving at Marseille.
The coach
Not a great deal is expected of Didier Deschamps this time round. The long-term priority is Euro 2016 on home soil, and he has recently had his contract extended until then. Clearly not afraid to rattle a few cages, as the excluded Samir Nasri and Gaël Clichy have found to their cost. “Samir’s performances with the France team were not at the level of his performances with his club,” Deschamps said.
Grudge match
Belgium, if only for geographical reasons. Or the fact the Belgians are blessed with such enviable talent and have actually beaten France more often than they have lost since the fixture was first staged in the Brussels suburb of Uccle, where Tintin creator Hergé is buried and the marvelously-monikered mathematician Jacques Tits was born in 1904.
Holed up
All staff at the JP hotel in Ribeirão Preto have been taking French lessons since news broke that Les Bleus would be staying here. The team have requested that shower gel be placed in all bathrooms as players are “not used to blocks of soap” (and some goalkeepers might struggle to pick them up).
How they qualified
By le peau de leurs dents. Understandably finished second to Spain in their group; less understandably lost 2-0 to Ukraine in the play-off, before storming back to win 3-0 in Paris.
World Cup high
Winning at home in 1998, single-handedly converting a nation that up until that point secretly preferred rugby.
World Cup low
Going out in the first round without a win four years later was one of the all-time great World Cup shocks.
Familiar faces
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Gaël Clichy (Manchester City), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) and most of the Newcastle team.
Title odds: 25/1
The stereotype is …
Perennial underachievers given their enviable depth of talent, but somehow manage to fluke their way through courtesy of luck or Fifa.
The reality is …
A bunch of quite good players, but few great ones. Still suffering a certain identity crisis, and bearing the scars of four years ago. Deschamps has gone with the recent trend for 4-2-3-1, though he tweaked it to 4-3-3 for the second leg of the play-off against Ukraine when seeking to recover a two-goal deficit. Tactics go out of the window if the tantrums set in.
What are they known for?
Saucy actresses 48 per cent
High taxes 22 per cent
Fine dining 19 per cent
Calais hypermarkets 11 per cent
How Google translates the national anthem
But the bloodthirsty despot, but the accomplices of Bouille. All these tigers who pitilessly ripped out their mothers.
Duration
Barely a minute, and not a second wasted.
How to dress like their fans
French fans have perfected the art of dressing as colourfully and extravagantly as they can whilst maintaining an expression of perfect glumness.
Commentator’s go-to stat
The 13 goals that Just Fontaine scored in 1958, still the record for a single tournament.
Bryan Ruiz, nicknamed “The Weasel” in his days at Alajuelense, is the side’s key creator as attacking midfielder or second striker. Unappreciated at Fulham he is thriving after being sent on loan to PSV Eindhoven.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
Alvaro Saborio was top scorer in qualifying but has a hot temper, once reportedly kicking a ball at a child during an open training session.
The coach
Standing at 5ft 5in, Jorge Luis Pinto bears all the hallmarks of short-man syndrome. Never short of a terse word in press conferences.
Grudge match
Costa Rica is sometimes known as the Switzerland of Central America because of its peaceable nature but there is no shortage of passion when it comes to fighting Honduras for regional football supremacy. Any meeting between the sides would also have the added flavour of pitting two Colombian coaches against each other.
Holed up
The team have asked for the Hotel Mendes Plaza to build a large relaxation room with sofas, TVs and videogames. It’s in the port city of Santos, so they can perk themselves up at the Coffee Museum or hope some magic will rub off from the statue of the local club’s most famous player, Pelé.
How they qualified
Beat the USA and Mexico on their way to second place in the six-team North American group.
World Cup high
Reaching the last 16 at Italia ’90, beating Scotland and – more impressively – Sweden in the process.
World Cup low
Losing all three of their group games, conceding nine goals, in Germany in 2006.
Familiar faces
Bryan Ruiz (Fulham).
Title odds: 1000/1
The stereotype is …
An impeccably-drilled outfit of small, compact midfielders and big, leggy strikers.
The reality is …
An impeccably-drilled outfit of defenders, defenders and more defenders. Pinto likes his 5-4-1 formation, and against the bigger nations, expect it to get another outing.
What are they known for?
Outstanding natural beauty 56 per cent
Fleeting but unbreakable bond with Derby County 44 per cent
How Google translates the national anthem
In the tenacious battle of fruitful work, reddening the face of man, conquered your children, simple peasants eternal renown, esteem and honour.
Duration
Just under two minutes.
How to dress like their fans
Slip on a poncho and make it rain with ticker tape. Look unimpressed if anyone asks you the way to San Jose.
Commentator’s go-to stat
Costa Rica has no standing army. Cue plenty of jokes about having a shabby defence.
A toss-up between the captain Steven Gerrard, who until a certain stumble was inspirational for Liverpool, or Wayne Rooney, who needs to rediscover his mojo after a quiet season for Manchester United. Both are big-game players for club and country, and cop much more flak than they deserve.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
John Terry, after smuggling himself into the cargo hold and turning up for England’s first training session in freshly-ironed kit.
Other than David Beckham, Rooney is the only man to have been sent off twice in an England shirt. He also had a pop at his own fans at the last World Cup, incredulous as they were at the laughable dross served up in a goalless draw against Algeria.
The coach
Roy Hodgson: just one of those regular blokes who takes the Tube and tells jokes at half-time, and hardly ever has to regret it. Occasionally wild of bouffant, Roy Hodgson is often likened to an owl. Not the most flattering lookalike but people are called worse and he is considered a wise old bird after all.
Grudge match
England always fancy a rumble with Germany, though in truth the enmity only really goes one way, especially as the highly amused Germans have lasted longer than the English in every single World Cup since 1966. Argentina are a better bet. The Malvinas and Maradona affairs of the 1980s didn’t help but it’s a rivalry that stretches back to the Antonio Rattín debacle of 66, when Argentina’s captain was sent off in the quarter-finals for “violence of the tongue”, and took the best part of 10 minutes to walk off.
Holed up
England have wisely decided against staying in Copacabana, as they did in 1950 to disastrous, sleep-bothering effect. Instead they’re at Rio’s Royal Tulip. Only four stars, which might raise a well-plucked eyebrow or two, but it suggests pragmatism has won out over luxury. How very Roy.
How they qualified
With great difficulty and much anguish, despite not losing a game and scoring more goals than Spain and France put together.
World Cup high
Geoff Hurst still hasn’t had to buy his own pint since 1966. Roger Hunt probably has, though.
World Cup low
Not qualifying in 1974, 1978 and 1994 was pretty bad, but for nation-defining collapse, you can’t beat the 1-0 defeat to Ellis Island in 1950.
Familiar faces
Take your pick. Wayne, Stevie G, Frank, Welbz …
Title odds: 25/1
The stereotype is …
Pampered, overpaid prima donnas who choke under pressure and boot the ball long at every opportunity.
The reality is …
Pampered, overpaid prima donnas who choke under pressure and boot the ball long at every opportunity.
Then there is the encouraging emphasis on youth, quoting the German model. Although deprived of Theo Walcott and Andros Townsend, Raheem Sterling’s effervescence, and his connection with Daniel Sturridge, fills the void rather handily. Similarly Ross Barkley’s growing maturity and Jordan Henderson’s thrusting performances for Liverpool provide options.
What are they known for?
Bagpuss 38 per cent
Prog rock 35 per cent
The Shipping Forecast 19 per cent
Playing Paul Scholes on the left eight per cent
How Google translates the national anthem (into Portuguese)
Deus salve a nossa rainha gracioso, vida longa a nossa nobre rainha, deus salve a rainha.
Duration
Long enough for some nitwit to shout “No surrender to the IRA”.
How to dress like their fans
Head-to-toe Jacamo for the guys, baggy T-shirt and jeans for the girls. And the odd St George Tribute.
Commentator’s go-to stat
The last man to score for England in a World Cup match? Matthew Upson against Germany, although Frank Lampard was hard done by.
The World Cup is just a few days away and the speculations on the outcome of the World’s greatest sporting event have never been scarce. As the excitement preceding the World Cup is surrounded by an effort to analyze the early stages, we shall take a look at Group D – Uruguay, England, Italy and Costa Rica.
The so-called ‘Group of Death’ indeed comes down as the most competitive of the lot, with three former World Champions who share seven world titles between them. From the perspective of history, Italy are the highest ranked with four titles followed by Uruguay having two and England one, while Costa Rica have never won the World Cup.
The group of death, is compiled of teams who are equally well-equipped to match each other’s caliber. There are some exciting matches in the mix which we are looking forward to.
Group D Schedule
Match
Fixture
Date
Time
Stadium
7
Uruguay v Costa Rica
15 June
21.00
Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
8
England v Italy
15 June
23.00
Arena Amazônia, Manaus
23
Uruguay v England
20 June
21.00
Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
24
Italy v Costa Rica
20 June
17.00
Arena Pernambuco, Recife
39
Italy v Uruguay
24 June
17.00
Arena das Dunas, Natal
40
Costa Rica v England
24 June
17.00
Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
Locations
Arena das Dunas, Natal
The six matches in Group D will take place at distinct locations.
The Sao Paulo Arena is the highest of the lot being at an altitude of 792 m, which could prove detrimental for England, who have been judged by Stephen Hawking as not performing properly above 500 m.
Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte is the most palatable stadium which favours no specific team. With dry and warm temperatures and surrounded by mountains, the lack of wind action could be a major factor in determining the style of the teams.
Estadio Castelao, at Forteleza is at mean sea level but the temperatures there peak up to 32 degrees. Coupled with that are the nearby coasts, therefore we could expect potential rains and strong winds.
Arena Pernambuco, in Recife is a dangerous arena with the city averaging 224 days of rain a year, and the months of June and July being the wettest. The humidity in this region is high during these, which ensures the players would have to put their bodies in line to get results.
Arena Amazonia in Manaus follows suit with wet conditions and a 40% chance of thunderstorms and expected humidity up to 80 %. Italy, whose adaptability is reportedly better than that of England, should have climate as an advantage in their clash at Manaus.
Estadio das Nunas, in Natal is the most punishing arena with an average humidity of 97% in the middle of June. This could result in a lot of tiring and frequent drink breaks, with Italy and Uruguay upon whom this arena is thrust. They play the final match of the group stages here, so it could be a really tough encounter.
Teams
Uruguay
Back in 2010, in South Africa, Uruguay defied the odds to reach the semi final with Diego Forlan leading them from the front. Their attack has come a long way since then and they possess one of the most complete striker pairings in the form of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. The latest FIFA rankings see Uruguay placed at 7th, and by extension, they are highest in the group. The Uruguayans could be expected to pose a sturdy challenge this time as they would want to recreate Maracanazo, the last time they won a World Cup.
Their road to Brazil has been a rather shaky one with them playing the play-offs, and performing inconsistently in their qualifying rounds. They finished fifth in the CONMEBOL region and had to endure a two-legged play-off against Jordan, which they won comfortably with a 5-0 aggregate. Luis Suarez was the top scorer in the entire qualifying with 11 goals and he will be expected to follow suit in the finals, should Uruguay pose a legitimate chance of winning the World Cup.
taly’s 2010 World Cup exit was a shocker, as the then defending champions exited in the first round. However, citing their strong performances in recent tournaments such as the 2013 Confederations Cup and Euro 2012, the Azzurri are a team enver to be ruled out. They are second in line to Uruguay, being ranked 9th according to FIFA’s latest release. The Italians are the only team who could match Brazil’s record of five titles if they win the World Cup.
Italy were placed in a relatively easy group in their qualifying campaign and they emerged out never losing a match. Securing 22 points from a possible 30, Italy ensured that they directly qualified for the finals.
Prandelli will be relying on his older players such as Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo, the backbone of the team, for his expert poise and pin-point passing; while he will have the experience of Daniele De Rossi, Claudio Marchisio and Thiago Motta at his disposal. Mario Balotelli will lead the cause for the youngsters in the team, having scored two goals against Germany in the semis of Euro 2012 and belting 17 goals in 39 appearances for AC Milan this season. Meanwhile, they will be supported by the expertise of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who will be appearing in his fifth consecutive World Cup.
England, who won the 1966 World Cup at home, have only managed to place themselves in the top four since then, finishing fourth in 1990. During the 2010 World Cup, they finished alongside the US in Group C to advance to the round of 16, where they ended their campaign after a 4-1 loss to Germany. Thus, expectations on the side’s progress this year have been played down. With their second-youngest World Cup squad, the Three Lions may, however, cause a surprise through their pace and youthful nerve, led by one of England’s biggest assets, Roy Hodgson, who made the side tough to beat in the qualifying campaign, letting their goal breached just four times. Wayne Rooney, with 89 caps and 38 goals in his England career, will be the player to watch out for, but his form in the English Premier League for Manchester United was up and down this season, besides this, he can’t very well do it on his own – Daniel Sturridge will need to replicate his form from Liverpool to take the pressure off Rooney. The 19-year-old Raheem Sterling and 20-year old Ross Barkley could be the X-factor in the midfield to see the side through, with support from the ‘old guards’ of the team such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
They are ranked 10th in the world and are coming off an undefeated qualifying campaign. They finished just above Ukraine and secured a direct qualification into the World Cup. While they have had strikers such as Lambert and Sturridge rise meteorically, Rooney remains their best marksman with 7 goals from 10 matches in the qualifying.
Costa Rica is perhaps the piece of meat that all of the above teams can gobble up. Unfortunately placed in a group with three heavyweights, their progress from the group stages would be nothing short of a miracle. They are the odd one out in the group as they have never won a World Cup and only made it beyond the group stage just once in 1990. They did not qualify for the 2010 edition, and this year will mark their fourth appearance in the World Cup. However, the Ticos boast probably their best group of players since the legendary Italia 90 side and qualified for the 2014 World Cup with the best defensive record in the CONCACAF.
Costa Rica is ranked 28th in the world and are expected to take a defensive approach in each game. Their road to Brazil was straightforward with them finishing below USA in the CONCACAF region and earning a direct spot in the finals.
Colombian coach Jorge Luis Pinto will be relying on goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who plays for Spanish club Levante and has been one of the best keepers this season. Perhaps the best-known player for Costa Rica after his spell at Fulham, Bryan Ruiz’s creative spark could help provide chances for young striker Joel Campbell, who is on loan from Arsenal to Greek club Olympiakos. Alvaro Saborio, has been their highest goalscorer in the qualifying with 8 goals.
Arguably one of the most awaited matches in this tournament, this match could turn out to be the most crucial fixture in the group. A rematch of the Euro 12 quarter final, Italy and England both possess very good squads and excellent managers. Prandelli has been instrumental in Italy’s showings recently and Hodgson has been doing his job silently. While Italy could be expected to dominate the midfield, England’s squad has pace in abundance and could do well on the counter. Their resolute defense must be up to task in stopping Balotelli and one of the rising stars, Ciro Immobile. On paper, this looks a must-watch fixture and we could hope that it turns out to be one in reality.
Italy v Uruguay
Italy’s three man defence could face their toughest game in the World Cup against Uruguay. Headed by an in-form Luis Suarez, with Cavani to support him, their mobility across the frontline gives them a real edge in outscoring the opposition. However, Pirlo would be up to task at the other end as he is likely to control Italy’s attack from the midfield. His precision and excellent conducting skills need to come to the fore as Italy would look to outsmart Uruguay from the middle. In all, this match would be essential in determining the team that could potentially exit in the group stages.
England v Uruguay
This group is such that a three-way battle would ensue between the top three teams, making sure that no match can be discounted as not having any impact. Once again, Luis Suarez holds the key and would most likely be the decisive factor. Being familiar with the English players, he may just possess the key to unlocking the English defense. However, England aren’t to be taken lightly either with Sturridge heading their attack and Rooney complementing him from behind. This match would be a cracker to watch and potentially decide England’s fate in the World Cup.
Predictions
This is the toughest group of the lot and predicting those who will proceed isn’t easy. I am going to try and let my head rule and not my heart. The recent trends could point towards a potential exit for England. Their friendlies have been rusty with Hodgson playing around his team a little too much. Italy haven’t been at their best either but their experience could turn the tide in their favour. In either case, Uruguay is most likely to top the group. Their recent performances coupled with Suarez’s excellent form means that they are genuine contenders.
Group D Predictions
Team Position
Country
Points
1
Uruguay
7
2
England
5
3
Italy
4
4
Costa Rica
0
Summary
The reality is any of the teams from the high-powered trio of England, Italy and Uruguay can book their place past the group stages if they have their day, with underdogs Costa Rica expected to miss out after being drawn in the ‘group of death’.
12 Salvatore Sirigu goalkeeper, Paris Saint-Germain
13 Mattia Perin goalkeeper, Genoa
14 Alberto Aquilani midfielder, Fiorentina
15 Andrea Barzagli defender, Juventus
16 Daniele De Rossi midfielder, Roma
17 Ciro Immobile forward, Torino
18 Marco Parolo midfielder, Parma
19 Leonardo Bonucci defender, Juventus
20 Gabriel Paletta defender, Parma
21 Andrea Pirlo midfielder, Juventus
22 Lorenzo Insigne forward, Napoli
23 Marco Verratti midfielder, Paris Saint-Germain
Star man
One of the least star-studded Italian squads in living memory, a reflection perhaps of Serie A’s reduced status. That leaves the superannuated Andrea Pirlo, even at a stately 35, as their top draw. Despite his advancing years, there are few better conductors in the game than the Juventus playmaker. There are younger legs and livelier talents in this squad but for one last time at a major tournament just sit back and savour each and every perfectly-placed pass from Andrea Pirlo.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace …
Mario”Why Always Me? Balotelli. Why? Lets not ruin the surprise.
The coach
Cesare Prandelli has rejected the stereotypes and turned into a stylish attacking side. He has held on to at least one Italian tradition however: there will not be a better-groomed manager at this World Cup.
Grudge match
Italy love nothing more than annoying France, from Marco Materazzi’s masterclass in the 2006 final, all the way to 1938 when the team were sent out to play in black shirts, a strip with clear fascist overtones sported purely to annoy the Parisian crowd.
Holed up
There have been hygiene problems at Italy’s secluded beachside Portobello Resort in Mangaratiba, 85km outside Rio. Health and safety officials raided the hotel and confiscated 50kg of fish, butter, ham and other foodstuffs past their sell-by dates. The hotel was also warned for not providing condoms to guests as is required under Brazilian law. The team doctor, Enrico Castellecci, said that Italy were planning to bring most of their own food and chefs in any case: “It hasn’t created a problem for us but of, course, it’s not pleasing.”
How they qualified
Does it really matter? They are there. They are always there. OK then, they strolled their group finishing six points clear of Denmark in second place.
World Cup high
England can never forget 1966, but most Italians probably can’t even name the four, yes four, times they have won the World Cup. The 2006 victory stands out as a triumph against the odds played out to a backdrop of scandal and controversy.
World Cup low
Defeat on penalties to Argentina on home soil in the 1990 semi-final.
Familiar faces
No one in England, though Liverpool fans might recall Alberto Aquilani.
Title odds: 20/1
The stereotype is …
Solid defence, counter attack, slow starters, tournament know-how, lavish gestures, long hair.
The reality is …
Free (ish) flowing attacking football, dodgy defence, lavish gestures, long hair. The Italians, as always, are at their best when sitting back patiently and waiting for teams to make mistakes, or pass themselves out, before hitting them on the counter. Think José Mourinho’s Chelsea, only with more expensive cologne. Balotelli’s evisceration of Germany in Euro 2012 stands as the recent high point, though Italy held their own against world and European champions Spain at the Confederations Cup, before doing what they so often do, losing a penalty shootout. Prandelli says he has been drilling his team to line up 4-3-1-2 or 3-5-2 because he has to “organise how to get to the final”. How’s that for ambition, Roy?
What they’re known for
La Dolce Vita 30 per cent
Pasta 18 per cent
Their hair 12 per cent
Their mothers 40 per cent
How Google translates the national anthem
We were for centuries downtrodden and derided, we are not one people, we are divided.
How long does it last?
One minute 40 seconds of chest-pumping national pride. Note to any budding young countries out there: this is how you do a national anthem.
How to dress like their fans
It’s almost impossible for an outsider to look like an Italian man or woman so instead try and behave like them, which basically involves overreacting to every single incident waving your hands in the air and looking to the heavens in disgust.
Commentator’s go-to stat
Only Brazil (93) and Germany (99) have played more games in World Cup finals than Italy (83). The Italians have drawn more games than anyone else (21).
2 Diego Lugano (captain) defender, West Bromwich Albion
3 Diego Godín defender, Atlético Madrid
4 Jorge Fucile defender, Porto
5 Walter Gargano midfielder, Parma
6 Álvaro Pereira midfielder, São Paulo
7 Cristian Rodríguez midfielder, Atlético Madrid
8 Abel Hernández forward, Palermo
9 Luis Suárez forward, Liverpool
10 Diego Forlán forward, Cerezo Osaka
11 Christian Stuani forward, Espanyol
12 Rodrigo Muñoz goalkeeper, Libertad
13 José María Giménez defender, Atlético Madrid
14 Nicolás Lodeiro midfielder, Botafogo
15 Diego Pérez midfielder, Bologna
16 Maxi Pereira defender, Benfica
17 Egidio Arévalo Ríos midfielder, Morelia
18 Gastón Ramírez midfielder, Southampton
19 Sebastián Coates defender, Liverpool
20 Álvaro González midfielder, Lazio
21 Edinson Cavani forward, Paris Saint-Germain
22 Martín Cáceres defender, Juventus
23 Martín Silva goalkeeper, Vasco da Gama
Star man
One is tempted to say Edinson Cavani and save you know who for the bad boy category below but the truth is Suárez may be a horrible person but he is a magnificently skilful, artful and clever player, with 39 goals from 76 caps. Cavani is however likely to take on greater prominence as Luis Suárez fights for fitness, Edinson Cavani is a card-carrying A-lister anyway. Quick and physically strong, he is a potent finisher, who exists to score goals, according to his team-mates. His numbers at Paris Saint-Germain after his £55m mega-move from Napoli were impressive – 22 goals in 34 starts in all competitions – even if there was the suspicion that he was not always entirely happy at the club.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
Racially abusing an opponent, twice biting an opponent, agitating behind the scenes and with opportune leaks to newspapers for transfers away from clubs who have done nothing but stand up for him. Guess who?
The Coach
Óscar Wáshington Tabárez, ‘El Maestro’, loved by pragmatists and pseuds alike, is seven years into his second spell with the national team and has been successful with his rejuvenation, reviving the gritty spirit of Uruguayan football for a generation of stellar products of the youth system, reaching the semi-finals in 2010 and winning the Copa America a year later.
Grudge match
Uruguayans look on Argentina as one might do a bullying older brother and any opportunity to bloody their knees is eagerly taken. There is a rich history to the rivalry. Behind England v Scotland, it is the oldest international on the calendar and, until Brazil won the 1958 World Cup, it was Uruguay and Argentina who dominated South American football. They share borders, a language and plenty of cultural stuff and, when they collide, the intensity burns. They do, however, tend to root for each other on the global stage, particularly when one of them plays a big European nation. So exactly like England and Scotland, then …
Holed up
The JN Resort in Sete Lagoas, Belo Horizonte is heavy on luxuries and corporate mod-cons. It even boasts party spaces for that special event, including The Paradise Room, The Privilege Room and The Hairy-Arsed Defenders’ Room.
How they qualified
Fifth in their regional group, missing out on an automatic spot to Ecuador on goal difference, losing five times in 16 games despite Luis Suárez’s 11 goals. They rallied superbly to marmalise Jordan 5-0 in Amman in the intercontinental play-off and lit their cigars for a 0-0 stroll in the second leg.
World Cup high
Won the first tournament in 1930, though only needed four games to do so, then memorably pooped Brazil’s party in 1950 by winning again. There was no final that year only a four team group which Brazil needed a point to win and Uruguay a victory, which they duly achieved, winning 2-1 from 1-0 down with 25 minutes to play in front of 199,000 home fans in the Maracana.
World Cup low
Given their history of rugged play it would not seem like a low to them but their bone-shuddering assault on Scotland in 1986 was disgraceful.
Familiar faces
Diego Lugano (West Bromwich Albion), Gastón Ramirez (Southampton), Suárez (Liverpool).
Title odds: 28/1
The stereotype is …
Grim-faced assassins with skill who will do anything to win. If you want to fight, they’ll fight you. If you want to play, they’ll fight you, then play you.
The reality is …
With a front three of Cavani, Suárez and Diego Forlan they possess formidable attacking power but lack midfield ingenuity and the pace at the back to cope with serious flyers.
What they’re known for?
Fray Bentos 41 per cent
Birds 26 per cent
Graff Spree 18 per cent
Blueberries 15 per cent
How Google translates the national anthem
Liberty, East Liberty! This cry to the Homeland saved. That their braves in fierce battles from sublime enthusiasm inflamed.
Duration
The longest in the world, swooping and soaring operatically for 4 min 55 sec. The music is so perfectly Italian the words being in Spanish come as a surprise.
How to dress like their fans
Sky blue shirts, the usual faces daubed up as flags, comedy top hats with proudly, beaming sun emblems, the kind you would see on T-shirts at 5am in a Hampshire field during a Sunrise rave in 1989.
Commentator’s go-to stat
In 2010 Uruguay overtook bitter rivals Argentina after a 40-year reign as the highest per capita global beef consumers at 58.2kg per person each year.
World Cup 2014 - BRAZIL 