Before the World Cup began, nobody would have quite predicted that minnows Costa Rica would be on top of Group D with one game to go – as opposed to opinion that England would crash out of the group stages with one game to spare. This leaves the other two teams, Italy and Uruguay, to face off in a winner-takes-all game which will see one of these two big teams eliminated from the World Cup.
Both teams are at 3 points, but a draw will suffice for Italy, owing to their superior goal difference. Uruguay, on the other hand, need a win to ensure qualification to the knockout stages. Uruguay talisman Luis Suarez is back and seems to be fully fit, which will be a cause of worry for the Italian defense. Partnering him will be Cavani, who is more than capable of causing damage to any side if given the space and time.
Uruguay will pretty much lineup with the same players that were victorious over England. Óscar Tabárez knows how to bring the best out of his men, and looking at the average age of the team, they may well play will a deep defensive block. Playing with a high line could expose their defense to long balls played over the top. When you’re up against someone like Pirlo, you want to make sure this does not happen.
However, it is unclear whether they will persist with a diamond in midfield, especially if Italy are going to shift to a 3-5-2. While this would provide Uruguay with numbers in midfield, their full-backs would be completely exposed to Italy’s marauding wingbacks. Tabárez has to make a call here. Meanwhile, Godin will have to bring his club form for Atletico to the field today, if Uruguay intend to keep Balotelli quiet.
