World Cup: Today’s games
Greece have been diabolical in this tournament, sticking rigidly to the stereotype that they are boring, defensive-minded while failing to produce anything of note going forward. But a win here and they could still make the last 16. Not fair, really, when plenty of quality is certain to be heading home. Ivory Coast, then, will be the choice of many of the neutrals. The passion shown by Serey Die during the national anthem, the tragedy suffered by the Toures, the odd romance surrounding an Africa team doing well at the World Cup is all in their favour. A win is enough for them to progress but Greece need to win and hope Japan don’t beat Colombia, or else goal difference will come in to question.
Verdict: Ivory Coast.
Neat attacking football, wild goal celebrations: Colombia have been thrilling so far and are now being considered as dark horses for the tournament. The same cannot be said for Japan, who promised much before but have failed to impress. Against Greece, they controlled the ball without ever looking like scoring, instead passing the ball sideways and backwards in the tournament’s most tedious game to date. However, they, too, can still qualify but they would need Greece to narrowly beat Ivory Coast or else for the other game to be a draw and win by three goals or more. Whichever route, they will need to show a sharper eye for goal against Colombia, who looked very solid against Greece and were only truly tested by Ivory Coast when in front.
Verdict: Colombia.
Costa Rica v England (Belo Horizonte, 5pm)
The inquest is ongoing and although Roy Hodgson’s job as England manager is secure according to FA suits, a third defeat and the ignominy of heading home pointless would spawn a new wave of questioning and the manager’s position would become a lot less stable. Expectations were low but the wooden spoon would be an unmitigated disaster. Changes will be made, with Frank Lampard and Luke Shaw coming in to replace Leighton Baines and Steven Gerrard among others, but they still have quite the task on hand to salvage some pride. Costa Rica have been one of the stories of the tournament. Tough to break down with five at the back, they’ve sucked Uruguay and Italy in before killing them with rapid counter-attacks. When you consider that England’s defence are not the most fleet of foot, that could have a major bearing.
Verdict: Draw
The first winner-takes-all clash of the World Cup — although a draw is also good enough for Italy to advance — comes courtesy of Costa Rica’s double shock. Italy’s lack of star names has been well-documented and they showed a lack of depth against the central Americans but, the Azzurri being the Azzurri, you can be sure they will be defensively sound against a Uruguay side whose reliance on Luis Suarez was highlighted more than ever against England. He, of course, possesses the ability to send Italy home and it only takes one sniff and one yard of space to punish the world’s strongest defences. It’s an awfully difficult game to predict but if Suarez can be tamed, Italy should go through. Fail to do that, and they will be heading home.
Verdict: Draw
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