Group D is a tightrope that at least three teams believing in qualification through to the knockout phase will have to walk. None of England, Italy and Uruguay will feel they are set to head home in the group stage, but three into two doesn't go and one will be disappointed.
Amongst that pressure, Costa Rica can relax, calm in the knowledge that little is expected of them in Brazil. Should the Central Americans pull off a shock and finish in the top two, it will be a remarkable achievement. Even playing party-poopers to one of the bigger teams in the group would be classed as a success.
We assess the teams in Group D, a section sure to be fiercely fought, from the heat and humidity of Manaus to the relatively pleasant conditions of Sao Paulo.
Costa RicaCosta Rica, in their fourth World Cup, face an uphill battle to avoid being swept away in an ultra-competitive group. Jorge Luis Pinto’s side will look to defend in numbers and launch counter-attacks to relieve pressure, using their comfort with the South American climate to their advantage against Italy and England.
There is a youthful look to the Costa Rica squad which bodes well for the future, while Pinto can also call upon a core of proven performers, including several who ply their trade in Europe. Captain Bryan Ruiz is the leading household name and is capable of creating shooting opportunities out of nothing. If Costa Rica start poorly, look for the youngsters to be thrown into the fray to gain experience.
The Costa Ricans were second in the CONCACAF qualifying stage with just two losses along the way. It was a real coup to finish ahead of Mexico in the table and it owed much to a stubborn defence that conceded only seven goals in ten games.
Key players
Bryan Ruiz will shoulder the creative burden and his dribbling ability will be vital for the type of counter-attacking raids that the Costa Ricans will be relying on. He has been revived since joining PSV Eindhoven earlier this year and is a threat from dead-ball situations. But if he is off form, it is hard to see Costa Rica creating enough chances to worry their opponents in Group D.
Joel Campbell, who is on the books at Arsenal but has spent time on loan at Olympiacos, is another bright talent capable of stretching defences. He will have the added motivation of making an impression on the Gunners’ scouts.
Since Costa Rica can expect to be under pressure for long periods, goalkeeper Keylor Navas will be a busy man. The Levante stopper must organise his defence and take command of the penalty area to give his defenders a break. Bryan Oviedo, who caught the eye in limited minutes for Everton this season, lost out in his race to recover from a broken leg and will not travel.
Coach profile – Jorge Luis Pinto
Jorge Luis Pinto is in his second stint in charge and faring far better than in his brief first spell. His 30 years of managerial experience also include spells in Colombia and Peru – so there will be no excuses if Costa Rica fail to adjust to the conditions in Brazil.
Just do not expect the Costa Ricans to roll over when facing three of the powerhouses of world football. They will be ready for the fight.
"The size of the country is not important", said Pinto. "It's the quality of the football that matters and Costa Rica has that quality. Men, women and children adore the game and that really benefits the team.”
Expectations and prediction
In an easier group, Costa Rica could cause a stir, but Group D is simply too strong to predict any kind of fairy tale performance. And expectations back home have likely been adjusted since the World Cup draw. There will be plenty of enthusiastic support from a fan base anticipating gritty, passionate displays, but it would be a stretch to view the tournament as more than a learning experience for a young squad.
It may be a damage limitation exercise at times for the Costa Ricans, however, they will be well organised and disciplined in their approach. That said, it is hard to see any other outcome than Costa Rica propping up the group table.
Group fixtures
Costa Rica v Uruguay (14th June, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza)
Costa Rica v Italy (20th June, Arena Pernambuco, Recife)
Costa Rica v England (24th June, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte)
EnglandThis is an England team in transition. After falling short at the past four World Cups, there have been a number of changes, with John Terry and Ashley Cole among those from the 2010 side that will not make the trip. Instead, England will have a younger vibe as the focus shifts to the long-term picture rather than short-term gains. Eight of the 23-man squad are under 24 years of age and should be unaffected by some of the ghosts of tournaments past.
An unbeaten qualifying campaign sounds good on paper but England made heavy weather of a weak group and needed a victory at home to Poland in their final game to stamp their ticket for Brazil. The same concerns loom large, however, with question marks over the team’s ability to retain possession in high temperatures and find a creative spark in the final third.
The Three Lions underwent warm weather training in Faro and friendlies in Miami in the United States before heading to their training base in Rio de Janeiro.
Key players
England’s hopes rest, first and foremost, on the shoulders of Wayne Rooney. After Manchester United’s miserable campaign, Rooney should relish the chance to focus on the World Cup. For all his accolades at club level, the Red Devils striker has yet to make his mark at a major international tournament where other big names have repeatedly seized the headlines. If England are to unlock well organised defences, Rooney must shine, as he did during the qualifying stage.
Given the strength of England’s opponents in Group D, a resolute defensive effort will also be critical. That means Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, who developed impressively under Jose Mourinho this season, has a big role to play at the heart of a back four that is inexperienced at this level. Goalkeeper Joe Hart bounced back from a rocky patch to help Manchester City win the Premier League and can expect to be a busy man in Brazil.
Southampton’s Adam Lallana and Everton’s Ross Barkley are the wildcards for England. Both enjoyed fine Premier League campaigns and will not be fazed by the big game pressure.
Coach profile – Roy Hodgson
Roy Hodgson was thrust into the hotseat just months before Euro 2012. He has had more time to assess his options ahead of the World Cup and can have fewer excuses if England fail to impress. The 66-year-old has extensive experience at club and international levels, including stints at the helm for Switzerland, Finland, Inter Milan and Liverpool.
Hodgson’s boldest move has been putting his faith in promising younger players. “I’m excited about the squad”, he explained. “I’m excited there are young players in there who have a future. But their future has to be immediately. I’ve selected them as I believe they could go into the team and play well just as I see them play well every weekend.” Look for England to keep things simple tactically, with a flat back four and a compact midfield.
Expectations and prediction
For once, England enter a major tournament without the weight of high expectations. Previous disappointments have taken their toll and the youthful vibe within the squad means that most supporters are looking for signs of potential rather than a run to the final.
Group D is a daunting prospect for Hodgson’s men but it may work in their favour that they face Italy in the opening game and finish with the Costa Rica clash. With Uruguay dealing with doubts over Luis Suarez's fitness, the Three Lions are poised to profit. If Rooney is saving his best form for Brazil, England can sneak through the group stage and progress to the last eight. But that is likely their ceiling this summer.
Group fixtures
England vs Italy (14th June, Arena Amazonia, Manaus)
England vs Uruguay (19th June, Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo)
England vs Costa Rica (24th June, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte)
ItalyWith four World Cup triumphs and an ever-present swagger at major tournaments, Italy should never be underestimated. While Serie A’s big guns continue to struggle in the Champions League, there is a special bond when the national team comes together and they will be fuelled by the memories of their dismal performance in South Africa four years ago when the Azzurri failed to win a game.
The Italians’ bid for glory in Brazil will be spearheaded by their Juventus contingent, including the impressive defence that guided the Turin giants to another Scudetto this year as well as ageless midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo.
With a focus on ball retention and patient approach play, Italy should be well suited to the conditions in Brazil. The inclusion of talented youngsters, including Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne and Marco Verratti, is a valuable complement to their experienced core.
The Azzurri put together an unbeaten qualifying campaign, topping a group that included Denmark and the Czech Republic and punching their ticket with two games to spare. Cesare Prandelli’s men had warm-up friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Luxembourg before heading to South America, both ending as draws.
Key players
Pirlo continues to be the straw that stirs the drink for Italy, with the midfield expected to be the driving force for Prandelli’s men. The deep-lying playmaker’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game will be crucial, as will his menace from set pieces. Claudio Marchisio, meanwhile, has frequently lived in Pirlo’s shadow but the Juventus team-mates have outstanding chemistry in the midfield engine room and Marchisio’s ability to make threatening runs from deep adds another dimension.
The ever unpredictable Mario Balotelli will leave his mark on the tournament one way or another – and he showed at Euro 2012 what he can do when he is fully focused. Prandelli will trust the AC Milan striker to spearhead the attack despite a frustrating Serie A campaign.
This will surely be captain Gianluigi Buffon’s last World Cup and he will be determined to bow out on a high note. Italy will lean on their defensive strength and Buffon must excel between the sticks, with both England and Uruguay boasting dangerous strikeforces.
Coach profile – Cesare Prandelli
Prandelli used a solid Serie A track record, including spells at Parma and Fiorentina, as a springboard for the national team job and has been a big hit ever since taking over in 2010. He made a strong impression at Euro 2012, guiding the Italians to the final, and has already spoken of his lofty goals for Brazil.
“We want to get to the final because this squad has been designed with getting to the final in mind”, he said. “Everyone here is brimming with enthusiasm, and that's pleasing. We all have to remember we're preparing for the World Cup."
He has also confirmed that the Italians will not stick rigidly to any single formation, with his team comfortable switching between 4-5-1, 4-3-2-1 and 3-5-2 depending on the opponents and the in-game situation.
Expectations and prediction
Given Italy’s track record, expectations are always lofty and success is demanded – plus, Prandelli’s comments have set the bar even higher. However, reports that supporters directed racist comments at Balotelli during the team’s training camp have added tension to the build-up.
The Italians’ blend of experience and youthful creativity will be enough to secure a favourable second round match-up, given that Group C is one of the weakest at the tournament. But the quarter-finals will be a step too far for the Italians.
Group fixtures
Italy vs England (14th June, Arena Amazonia, Manaus)
Italy v Costa Rica (20th June, Arena Pernambuco, Recife)
Italy v Uruguay (24th June, Arena das Dunas, Natal)
UruguayUruguay’s qualifying campaign hardly screamed “contenders” but their tournament pedigree is clear. An unexpected run to the semi-finals four years ago in South Africa was a sign of the team’s quality and the central figures have further blossomed since then.
Oscar Tabarez’s men needed a playoff against Jordan to book their place in Brazil after finishing fifth in the South American qualifying table (25 points from 16 games). Colombia, Chile and Ecuador all amassed more points, raising doubts over Uruguay’s chances of a deep World Cup run.
A shaky defence is a potential Achilles heel, especially against speedy opponents, but Uruguay can be prolific at the other end of the pitch. After starting against Costa Rica, the Uruguayans’ key game comes against England on 19th June.
However, the build-up to the tournament has been dominated by question marks over the fitness of talisman Luis Suarez, who limped out of the pre-tournament training camp in Montevideo as he continued to be troubled by a knee injury. He may miss at least the opening game of the group stage.
Key players
All eyes will be on Suarez’s race against time to be fit for the start of the tournament. The Liverpool striker had a phenomenal campaign, finishing as the Premier League’s top goalscorer before suffering a knee injury in Uruguay training. If he is not at 100% – which seems likely – Uruguay’s chances of escaping Group D will take a huge hit.
Edinson Cavani, Suarez’s strike partner, may have to carry a heavier burden than expected but the PSG star is capable of exploding in Brazil. He can score in so many different ways and will be motivated to prove a point after a challenging first season in France.
Diego Godin was an integral part of Atletico Madrid’s remarkable season, nullifying some of Europe’s biggest stars with his no-nonsense style. He will be the glue holding Uruguay’s defence together. Diego Lugano will likely partner Godin in the centre of Uruguay’s defence, but will need to raise his game after a patchy season for West Brom.
Coach profile – Oscar Tabarez
Oscar Tabarez, “El Maestro” (The Teacher), has a strong squad at his disposal but has preferred to play the underdog card. “In football there is also a first world and a third world”, he explained. “We in Uruguay are not among the powers, not even in the South American region.”
Tabarez, who has been at the helm since 2006, prefers a 4-4-2 formation but has the personnel to switch to a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-3 should it give Uruguay an advantage. After leading the national team to Copa America glory in 2011, he has stored up goodwill with the supporters yet an early exit could cost him his job.
Expectations and prediction
Uruguay will be fuelled by frenzied support, with Tabarez fielding a squad capable of dominating in Brazil. The struggles during qualifying have been long forgotten and there is an expectation that the Uruguayans are saving their best for the tournament itself, just like in 2010.
But so much depends on Suarez – with him, a deep run to the semi-finals would be in play; if he is sidelined or short of full fitness, look for the Uruguayans to be group stage victims.
Group fixtures
Uruguay v Costa Rica (14th June, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza)
Uruguay v England (19th June, Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo)
Uruguay v Italy (24th June, Arena das Dunas, Natal)
