World Cup 2014 Group D: History And Tradition As Three Former Champions Clash
Group D in the 2014 World Cup is going to have some interesting matches, and perhaps this is the one that should have been dubbed the “Group of Death.” A lot of history and tradition will be at play in Brazil.
The teams that were drawn to battle each other in Group D are Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, and Italy.
There is only one certain thing in the World Cup Group D: Costa Rica will most likely be going home after the groups phase, and the question is, who will follow them?
Uruguay earned a World Cup trophy in 1930 and 1950, so fans of the South American country are more than ready for a new title in the modern era. La Celeste had an impressive run in South Africa in 2010 finishing in fourth place.
Lead by striker Diego Forlán, Luis Suarez — who is being mentioned as being in the same league as Messi and Ronaldo — and Edinson Cavani, the current Copa America champions has a do or die style of play, leaving it all on the field, which will make them one of the most attractive teams to watch in Group D.
#uruguay_national_team pic.twitter.com/hR0tng9gSn
— tarekmostafa (@Tareekmostafaa) June 10, 2014
On paper, Italy is the strongest of the four. As former World Cup champions, the Azzurri are always a threat, no matter who they are facing. With their flamboyant style and theatrics, the Italians are a force to reckon with in any international competition and many favor them to win it all.
The last time these two teams met — for the third-place match at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 — the Italians won by penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw. Uruguay will want its revenge in the last match scheduled for Group D at the 2014 World Cup.
#WorldCup2014 #Italy #SeireA #Calcio pic.twitter.com/R7wTuNIjMj
— Abdullah Al-Haidari (@AbdullahHaidary) May 3, 2014
England is the big enigma of Brazil 2014; the former World Cup Champions (1960) are still seeking that elusive second world title, but have been unlucky despite having some of the best players in Europe such as Wayne Rooney and Alex Gerrard.
English coach Roy Hodgson spoke to the press ahead of his team’s opener against Italy on June 14:
RH: I work on logic and what we can do in terms of preparation. I’d like to think when the whistle blows we’ve done everything to be ready.
— England (@england) June 10, 2014
Did you know that the first four World Cup titles were claimed by teams belonging to Group D? There’s some history in this very competitive World Cup group, and fans will most likely be in for a treat.
Prediction (this is a though one): Italy and Uruguay advance.
[Image via Shutterstock]
