Group D Preview

Group D	FIFA	ELO	Best Finish	WC 2010
Uruguay	8	14	1st (twice)	4th
Costa Rica	34	31	2nd Round	DNQ
England	11	6	1st	13th
Italy	9	11	1st (four times)	26th

Group D features 3 former World Cup Champions. Italy leads the way with 4 cups, Uruguay has 2, and England has one. As a result, I'll start this group with Costa Rica. It's three and done for this team.

The Ticos have only made it as far as the second round on the world stage. They didn't qualify for 2010, and have the worst draw of any team. True, Uruguay hasn't won a Cup since 1950, but the South Americans are a strong team that seem to be on the upswing. England hasn't won since 1966, a tournament they hosted, but would be in turmoil if they lost to Costa Rica. Italy won their last cup in 2006, but could win a game against Costa Rica with a backup squad. This should be another chance for the minnows of the group to enjoy the event, and try to score some goals. It's about memories not results here.

Uruguay are currently 8th in the world. Their fourth place finish in 2010 did not come without some controversy. Luis Suarez's handball against Ghana helped to send that game to penalty kicks where the Uruguayans prevailed. Some say justice was served after back to back 2-3 losses saw the team finish fourth. This year's team is ready to pick up where they left off. Italy are ranked one spot behind them and look to have a talented, young team. England sit 11th, and though they always expect more than they're capable of, they have a tough team. Uruguay still has some talent of its own. No one can say Luis Suarez had a bad season. Liverpool failed to win the league, but Suarez seems reborn. Brazil isn't Uruguay, but it's pretty much a homecoming for the lad, and they could ride his goal scoring momentum into the second round.

England have talent, but they don't have success at the World Cup. Four years ago England were picked to win their group. Draws against America and Algeria almost brought their tournament to an early end. A 1-0 victory over Slovenia was enough to get them through to the 2nd Round, but saw them finish second on Goals Scored behind the US. The Round of 16 saw England firmly put in their place. 3rd place finishers Germany won easily 1-4 against England. That poor showing calls for much to improve by the Three Lions. Unfortunately, this doesn't look to be the group for that change to happen.

Italy have more titles than England and Uruguay, as well as having one a Cup recently. Just 8 years ago Italy took home the trophy, but they are notorious slow starters. They started so slowly four years ago that they were held to 1-1 draws by Paraguay and New Zealand. Slovakia took the air out of Italy with a 3-2 victory. Gli Azzuri finished dead last in the group and would like to forget that tournament ever happened. They're hungry for success and opening against Costa Rica should give them a big win for 3 points, and control of the group.

Key Match:

Since Italy should steamroll over Costa Rica, the other opening group game of Uruguay and England will be big. Both teams will need three points to keep pace with Italy. A draw would see both fighting beyond just the 90 minutes they're on the field. A loss for either all but seals an early exit. This game could decide the group just as soon as the tournament begins.