Any group which contains several previous FIFA World Cup champions is guaranteed to be discussed and placed under much scrutiny. Unlike what the mainstream media is christening as the “Group of Death”, Group G, it is interesting to note that they possess less than half as many FIFA World Cup trophies as Group D and only one winner as opposed to three. Between Italy, England and Uruguay there are seven titles – 1930 (Uruguay), 1934 (Italy), 1938 (Italy), 1950 (Uruguay), 1966 (England), 1982 (Italy)and 2006 (Italy). The past is the past however, and in the year 2014 all three nations have potential to progress out of the group stage – unfortunately only two can.
Italy stands out as the frontrunner of the group. They have pedigree in every single position on the pitch, but most importantly the right balance in players selected for the roster which allow for versatile tactical maneuvers. Defensive midfielders like Thiago Motta and Daniele De Rossi can be deployed as centre backs, attackers such as Lorenzo Insigne and Antonio Candreva utilized anywhere along the frontline. Even Giorgio Chiellini is able to transition into a left-back capably.
The mix of youth with veteran leadership should serve to England’s benefit this World Cup. If anything, this tournament will serve as a transition period for the team, with legends of the English game most likely to retire internationally following its conclusion. Images leaked of Gary Neville’s training notes reveal an emphasis on possession entwined counter-attacking football for the squad, perhaps indicating how to contrast the brilliant Italian possession play and dynamic attack on Saturday.
Uruguay meanwhile barely qualified to Brazil which was shocking after they had swept the competition in fine style at the Copa America to claim the title of South American champions in 2011. Their defence have weakened, stalwarts now aging to past their prime. A combative midfield with two of the deadliest strikers on the planet united – Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani will be the keys to success for this squad if they want a chance to progress.
Costa Rica will be the whipping boys of the group, this much is certain. On paper they stand no chance at progressing out of the group stage yet they stand a chance at playing the spoiler. It is not difficult to foresee a last place finish without any points for the CONCACAF nation.
The World Cup may have barely commenced not two days prior yet for this group the potential match to define the winners and losers of Group D is tonight – Italy and England.
Italy’s tactical brilliance, but more importantly this evening, situational awareness and calculated possession will be required if they want to trump the Englishmen. If they are content to sit back and wait for England to make the first mistake pressing-wise, it will work to their strength as opposed to contesting battle aerially between a diminutive frontline (excluding Mario Balotelli) and their defenders. They can and will win the midfield battles, so it is simply a matter of if the attack can function and convert.
With England, it is common knowledge that Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will be deployed together. Over the hill, yet still remarkable talents, the only knock on their game is a lack of pace. The only way England can succeed is to utilize the pace on the flanks of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling to deliver to Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge, the most likely pair of strikers to start. Yet it should be slim pickings if mere crosses are whipped in; they have to be calculated as the Italian centre backs are fantastic communicators thus capable of sorting out most threats with ease. The sole possible undoing of the Italians will be the creativity of these pacey wingers, if handed the start on Saturday evening. Otherwise, it should be a lovely night out to be an Azzurri supporter.
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