Costa Rica and Italy each have three points, with the Central Americans topping the group on goal difference. A win for either side would just about assure them a place in the Round of 16 and although anybody can still win it, the impetus is with Italy and Costa Rica on three points each.
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Italy come into the match on the back of an impressive 2-1 win over England and will look to continue like that against Costa Rica. In the end, it was attack versus defense as England pressed and probed but the Italian backline held firm and the English did not really test Salvatore Sirigu in goal. Mario Balotelli settled the tie with a header at the back post after having a shot of target and another cleared off the line. Cesare Prandelli will hope his volatile star can continue in this vein of form. Four years ago, the Azzuri did not make it out of the group stage as they only managed a 1-1 draw with New Zealand as well as losing 3-2 to Slovakia. This time around, it might be Costa Rica that stand in their way. If they manage to get a win here, however, depending on the result of the Uruguay – England game, they could be home and dry before their final group match.
The same scenario applies to Costa Rica as the Central Americans look to add Italy’s scalp to their collection. Costa Rica entered the World Cup ranked 28th the whipping boys of the group but they stunned Uruguay 3-1, upsetting all the equations of the group. Despite trailing at half time, the team rallied and scored three goals through Joel Campbell, Oscar Duarte and Marco Urena. No one in their right mind would have predicted such a result and the so called ‘Group of Death’ is now at its most dangerous.
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TEAM NEWS
PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu did well against England but could well find himself on the bench this time around as Team Captain Gianluigi Buffon is available again after ankle and knee problems. Prandelli could also make a change in defense, shifting Giorgio Chiellini from the left to take over from Gabriel Paletta in central defense with Ignazio Abate coming on at fullback. In midfield, Brazil born Thiago Motta could replace AS Roma midfielder De Rossi, who felt his neck after the England game. Costa Rica have no fresh injury worries and are expected to start in the same way as against Uruguay with Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz leading the attack.
Probable Line ups
Italy (4-3-2-1): Buffon; Darmian, Chiellini, Barzagli, Abate; Pirlo, De Rossi, Verratti; Marchisio,
Candreva; Balotelli
Costa Rica (4-4-1-1): Navas; Gonzalez, Umana, Borges, Duarte; Bolanos, Diaz, Gamboa,
Tejeda; Ruiz, Campbell
PREDICTION
Costa Rica caused the shock of the tournament not only by beating Uruguay 3-1, but also by the way they played. The Central Americans were a joy to behold but Italy have Andrea Pirlo. The Juventus pass master made 108 passes in the match against England- the highest of any player in this World Cup- and I think Costa Rica will struggle to keep him quiet. Costa Rica would probably score but in the end, Italy should win this one.
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