Group-D - WC 2014

[Mystik]

I think people are being a bit harsh on England. With some better finishing, they could have had 6 points over two games instead of 0 points. I have actually been impressed with them so far..although it is always delightful to see the English team lose . TSome pundits on the Guardian have been tipping the English to win both the Italy and Uruguay matches "easily"...so I had a good laugh to see them lose both games.

Italy needs to win today so that Costa Rica has something to play for against England. That last game against Uruguay may be a bloodbath so the Italians would do well to not need a victory out of that final group game.

[Nalx]

One of the man of the monent in the football world this year has been Godin. Sensational defending and commitment by him. Kind of remind me Cannavaro, not in ters of class, but commitment considering his relatively small stature for a defensive player.

What do you mean small stature, Zeekay? Godin is 6ft 1inch or 186cm. A good 10cm taller than Cannavaro.

[Best-Pundit]

One of the man of the monent in the football world this year has been Godin. Sensational defending and commitment by him. Kind of remind me Cannavaro, not in ters of class, but commitment considering his relatively small stature for a defensive player.

What do you mean small stature, Zeekay? Godin is 6ft 1inch or 186cm. A good 10cm taller than Cannavaro.

He looks shorter than 6 ft But anyway, regardless of his height , he has been in awesome form this year. Its sad story that he didn't win UCL

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As much as I like Italy to win tonight, but because eof Argentina, I am hoping for a draw so that some how Italy finishes runners up in the group and moves to the opposite half of the draw to Argentina. Italy vs Argentina final would be so cool

[ACMILAN1983]

I think people are being a bit harsh on England. With some better finishing, they could have had 6 points over two games instead of 0 points. I have actually been impressed with them so far..although it is always delightful to see the English team lose . TSome pundits on the Guardian have been tipping the English to win both the Italy and Uruguay matches "easily"...so I had a good laugh to see them lose both games.

Italy needs to win today so that Costa Rica has something to play for against England. That last game against Uruguay may be a bloodbath so the Italians would do well to not need a victory out of that final group game.

Maybe, but England's general play is inconsistent and lacking quality in key areas (defence is obvious, but also in attack). I'm neither for nor against England and reaction here is always over the top (they're the worst team in the competition if you ask anyone today), but there are some real limitations in the side that is quite disappointing when you consider where and who these players play for.

That said, I think Hodgeson's on the right road. Bringing through a new generation with some young players really taking on some responsibility is a good achievement, especially when considering guys like Wilshere will still likely come through. Big problem is the defence though.

[Mystik]

Italy: Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Darmian; De Rossi; Candreva, Pirlo, Motta, Marchisio; Balotelli

Costa Rica: Navas; Gamboa, Duarte, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz; Ruiz, Borges, Tejeda, Bolanos; Campbell

Not too impressed with Motta Pirlo DDR in midfield..would have preferred Verratti but apparently he was showing flu symptoms. Think Italy may struggle in attack a bit..and will need to make some second half subs to change the game. Regardless though..FORZA ITALIA!

[ZvonimirBoban]

Italy played bad and deserved to concede that goal. Hopefully they can sort themselves out in 2nd half.

[reza]

Mids like Motta Pirlo DDR are useless, I agree. Not exactly same but reminds me of the Donadoni era Italy of Ambro Pirlo Gattuso.

[Mystik]

I expect to see Insigne and/or Cerci in the second half for Italy to add some creativity in the side. Both DDR and Motta aren't necessary against a team that will focus on defending and counter attacking for the majority of the game. Maybe Verratti on for Motta at some point will add some spark to midfield as well.

Cassano on for Motta straight away

[ZvonimirBoban]

Good game by Darmian so far. Argh. Is he more highly regarded than De Sciglio (because he started ahead of DS)?

[reza]

First Cassano for Motta and now Insigne for Candreva. Is Trapattoni watching?