World Cup 2014: Group D Preview

Group D

Group D Prediction

1. Uruguay
2. England
~~3. Italy~~
~~4. Costa Rica~~

Uruguay - FIFA Ranking - 7

Le Celeste, "The Sky Blue One," advancing is the one team I guarantee will advance from this group. Anchoring a squad soaked in talent is central defender Diego Godin (Athletic Madrid). Uruguay's ability to play beautiful football relies on the midfield and forwards having good communication. Le Celeste bolsters "The Flarish Three": Luiz Suarez (Liverpool), Edinson Cavani (PSG) and my personal favorite Diego Forlan (Cereszo Osaka). If Suarez is deemed health as he is returning from injury and Forlan is given the gift of playing time in what will most likely be his last Word Cup, then I can see the trio combining for some serious scoring.

My Player You Should Know is Gaston Ramirez (Southampton). After making a 12.5 million dollar transfer from Genoa, suffering injuries disrupted what was meant to be a breakout season for the attacking midfielder. Ramirez is a premier option off of the bench, when used as a substitute do not be surprised to see him bring excitement to the match.

Projected Finish - 1st

England - FIFA Ranking - 10

Here is the deal with England. They have the weapons and the experience to compete with everyone but can struggle with the mental aspect of being a favorite. This will be international cornerstones Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and Frank Lampard (Chelsea FC) last World Cup. The outcome of the group stage will hinge on which formation boss Roy Hodgson decides to play, will he favor youth or experience? Either way, man in question Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) is a game changer when in form. If England can hold it together and beat Italy then they will advance.

My Player You Should Know is Adam Lallana (Southampton FC). The 26-year-old midfielder played himself into the national side along side teammate and penalty specialist Rickie Lambert. Both will need to have big tournaments to help push England into the knockout stages. Lallana can play anywhere in the midfield. Using him in a more advanced attacking role allows him to add flare, his quickness and creativity, into a sometimes flat attack.

Projected Finish - 2nd

Italy - FIFA Ranking - 9

Italy play attractive football whether you are a fan of Gli Azzurri, "the blues". A squad filled with a vast majority of players from the Serie A is headlined by goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon (Jventus). Buffon is the most experienced keeper in the tournament, although he will need fellow leaders Andrea Pirlo (Juventus) and Daniel De Rossi (AS Roma) to motivate a team fueled by emotion. Emotion will be key in dictating how one of the most polarized players in the world, Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), handles the big stage. Italy and England will battle for the 2nd birth to the knockout stage, I give England the edge.

My Player To Watch is Circo Immobile (Borussia Dortmund). Circo topped the Serie A in score as a member of Torino this past season by scoring 22 goals in 33 appearances. This outstanding mark earn him the Capocannoniere, the Serie A Golden Boot, which lead to his $15.5 million dollar transfer to Borussia Dortmund. He has previously only made 2 appearances for Gli Azzurri but could play a vital role if the other forwards lack production. Look for Circo to be used a substitute at least twice and showcase his ability to find the back of the net.

Projected Finish - 3rd

Costa Rica - FIFA Ranking - 28

Costa Rica will endure a rough stay in Brazil. They will face three opponents they will force them to be on the defense most of the time. Costa Rica will look to see large performances from forwards Bryan Ruiz (PSV), on loan from Fulham FC, and one time starlet Joel Campbell (Arsenal). With a squad that lacks fire and star power, they will finish last in the group.

My Player To Watch is Joel Campbell (Arsenal). He featured for Greek side Olympiacos, in the Champions League against Manchester United especially, and showed us he can play. He has been loaned out by Arsenal 3 times which is a resulting of not impressing enough to find a spot as a regular. I pin him to show flashes of the talent that made him sought after by EPL clubs when he transferred to Arsenal in 2011.

Projected Finish - 4th

Round 1 EPL - Monday's Fixture - Pitch-360's Game of the Week

Manchester United v Everton FC - Old Trafford - * GAME OF THE WEEK* Manchester United - With Robin Van Persie jumping into the starting 11 along side Wayne Rooney, goals should be aplenty. The two combined to score 57 goals last year which is almost half as many United tallied all of last year. Ferguson will also look to the other major addition of the summer, Borussia Dortmund ace Shinji Kagawa, to have an instant impact. However, the reoccurring problem of the health of the defense seems to have come up again. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Johnny Evans all have picked up knocks and are reported to miss the match as well as Darren Fletcher. This coupled with the rumors of winger Nani possibly moving on before the transfer window closes could see him start on the bench along side youngster Nick Powell. Even with these set backs, the depth of Fergie's side shows why they are favorites to claim yet another EPL title. Squad - De G...

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