World Cup Preview: Group D

As we reach the halfway point in our World Cup preview, we come to Group D. This is another strong group that features three of the top 10 teams in the FIFA rankings. It also features teams that have won seven world cups with Italy (four), Uruguay (two), England (one), and lowly Costa Rica.
Team Breakdown
Costa Rica: The definite underdogs in Group D, La Sele have a few players who have the skill to impress on the World Stage. There best player is probably goalie Keylor Navas. Navas burst onto the scene over the last 12 months staring for Levante is Spain's La Liga. Lost Ticos also have some talented players in attack as well. Arsenal forward Joel Campbell spent the last season playing on loan at Olympiacos. The speedy winger is capable of playing on either side of the pitch. He's also capable of scoring and setting up goals, while still giving maximum effort on the defensive end. Costa Rica's most important player is probably Bryan Ruiz. The PSV (Netherlands) midfielder often plays in the center of the park but can also move out wide to either side. Ruiz has all the abilities that you need from an attacking midfielder, but he can disappear when faced with adversity, something that will be in ample supply in Brazil. Costa Rica's ability to keep pace with the big boys in their group will come down to whether or not Ruiz can over come that adversity.

England:The Three Lions are constantly one of the teams with the most pressure on them at the World Cup, from within the English FA(Football Association), the media, and the fans. That is no different this year as the team seeks to win their first World Cup since 1966. The problem is that this is one of the weakest teams that England has fielded in recent memory. England will only be fielding 3 players that were starters for them in 2010, Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard, and Wayne Rooney. Gerrard and Jordan Henderson will be trusted to manage pace and possession from the England midfield. Rooney will hope to continue his strong form that he displayed with Manchester United while partnering in attack with striker Daniel Sturridge. Joe Hart will be the backstop between a revamped England defense. England will need to hope that their midfield and forwards can jell after battling in the Premier League all season as most of the anticipated starters played for rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.

Italy: The Azzurri have been one of the most inconsistent teams in world football over the last eight years, winning the World Cup in 2006 and making it to the Euro 2012 Final, while struggling at those same tournaments in 2010 and 2008 respectively. Italy's two oldest players are arguably its best players as well. Goalie Gianluigi Buffon will be making his fifth trip to the World Cup and his forth as the starter. Italy's all-time caps leader still has the ability to take the game into his own hands at the age of 36. The crucial cog in Italy's team is 35 year-old midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo sits deeps and controls the play for the Azzurri alowing Daniele De Rossi to fly around and make tackles. Pirlo and De Rossi partner to allow Italy ball control to play a more attacking style than many are used to seeing from them. Striker Mario Balotelli provides scoring and controversy for the Italians. Italy will need to find a balance between their defensive roots and new found attacking desire to advance to the knock out round.

Uruguay: While Los Charrúas La Celeste( The Sky Blue One) have many talented players, pretty much everything boils down to Luis Suárez. Suárez was one of the best players in the world during the 2013-14 season, scoring 31 goals in 37 games for Liverpool just a year after a controversy filled campaign that included biting another player and racist remarks.. However, Suárez had minor knee surgery after the conclusion of the Premier League season and now faces a race to be fit. If Suárez is unable to play, Uruguay still boast a strong attack force including forwards Abel Hernández, Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlán and midfielder Cristian Rodriguez. The two Diegos, Lugano and Godin will partner to for the core of defense for Uruguay.

Players to Watch:
The Star: Luis Suárez
Suárez has been at the peak of for the last year plus. However, he was finally able to cut out the controversy that has plagued his game since joining Liverpool in January 2011. Suárez missed Liverpools first six games as part of his suspension for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. Since his return, Suárez has been unstoppable, leading both the Premier League and South American World Cup Qualifying in scoring. Suárez has the pace, power, and skill to play anywhere along the front line. However, Suárez finds himself in trouble from time to time as a result of his penchant for diving and picking up yellow cards. If Suárez can focus on his game and not all of the other things, Uruguay should be one of the toughest teams to beat this summer.

The One to Watch: Andrea Pirlo
Three years ago, Pirlo was thought to be on the downside of his career as AC Milan let him move to rival Juventus in a free transfer. Since then, Pirlo has been on a tear, winning numerous awards including Italian Player of the Year in 2012 and leading Italy to the Euro 2012 final. Pirlo likes to sit back and make plays from deep. His vision and passing ability make him a threat to unleash a long ball for strikers Balotelli and Ciro Immobile to convert. Pirlo is also capable of linking up many shorter passes to control any match. Il Professore is also one of the world's best free kick takers and makes Italy a threat from any set piece.

The Question Mark: Wayne Rooney
Much like his rival Suarez, Wayne Rooney is a very controversial figure, both at home and abroad. The Manchester United forward has abilities that make him one of the games greats but he also struggles to find his form at times. Rooney has yet to score in the World Cup, despite excelling in the Premier League, World Cup qualifying, and European Championships. Rooney has lead England in scoring in the last two qualifying campaigns and the Three Lions will need Rooney to find that form in Brazil. Rooney is capable of creating moments of magic, seemingly out of no where. England will need Rooney to play well and form a partnership with Sturridge if they're going to make it out of the group stage.

My Prediction:
1. Uruguay
2. Italy
3. England
4. Costa Rica