2014 World Cup Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

[War]

This a better representation of the line-ups. I'm expecting rotation between Rooney/Welbeck/Sterling.

And i think Italy will be more 4-1-3-1-1, they gonna try that Duppio Registra tactic with Veratti in front of Pirlo...

 

[El Loco]

Welbeck's got a tough job on his hands tracking and trying to retrieve from Pirlo.

 

[War]

Aite the real official one from the FA media ha...

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

not really loving italy's setup. (I've always been italian when it comes to football, this isn't scottish bitterness, later it will be, but not right now)

if marchisio is the best they have on the left wing they should have gambled on el shaawary's fitness and brought him. Candreva instead of Cerci is just sentimental selection because in the past he's been very good.

 

[El Loco]

Is Phil Neville commentating on snooker or something?

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

on the otherhand. nice one prandelli.

 

[War]

Loving this game so far, best England have played against a top opposition in a competitive fixture since probably the 98 world cup qualifier vs Italy in Rome.

2nd half the coaches tactics will be tested to the max here, signs at the end of the half, ENG were tiring.

COME ON ENGLANDDDD!!!!

 

[abhi_jacko]

That 2nd half from England was painful to watch. Very amateurish football to say the least .. they dint deserve to win this one

 

[War]

ENG weren't clinical enough in the second half, should have snatched a draw.

Pirlo again a boss, Xavi may be finished, but he is remains the preeminent playmaker.

But i didn't see anything from Uruguay & Costa Rica that tells me ENG can't get out this group. Our attack should be too much for them.

 

[P Squared]

Baines had a pretty poor game today, as did Rooney(apart from the cross). Sterling, Welbeck and Sturridge were linking up very well though.

 

[shravi]

Baines had a pretty poor game today.

Did he really? He was just left with a 2 vs 1 situation everytime because Rooney/Welbeck weren't tracking back. That made him look silly, because he couldn't commit to anything. His poor performance was a product of Rooney and Welbeck lack of defensive work.

Rooney was awful apart from the assist.

I didn't understand the need for Henderson to sit beside Gerrard. Next game (he won't, but I can hope), Hodgson should play Gerrard in the same deep role with Henderson and Barkley in front of him, and Sterling on the tip of the diamond. Rooney and Sturridge should play up front as a pair.

However, that being said, I don't think it would be the worst decision to bring Sterling and Barkley off the bench around the 60 minute mark.

Sturridge and Sterling were impressive. I was initially opposed to his selection, but Welbeck was actually very good today and linked up well with Sterling and Sturridge. There were definitely many positives from England's match today. At least they lost while trying to play.

Pirlo was at it again. What a legend.

 

[War]

According to Opta Joe - "91% - England's pass completion tonight was the highest they've ever recorded in a World Cup game (1966-2014)."

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

I kinda hate how Pirlo is now regarded as a mega-legend now he's a juve prick.

2 champions leage titles at milan, y'all.

 

[War]

Hope those racist in Italy start showing Super M, more respect in the future. Man can go on to be their greatest striker.

 

[thedon5]

thedon must be pretty chuffed, that campbell guy was awesome. why has wenger kept shunting him out on loan? (and then hypocritically whinged about teams loaning people)

Awesome player for sure, but it looks like he'll just be sold with a buy-back clause which is a shame as he deserves a run at Arsenal.

Since we signed him he's always been on loan and he didn't come into our plans even when he got his work permit last season. Good business though, we've made something like ?15 m on him from nothing.