It was a pretty unexpected turn of events indeed, at least the anarchy of these early group matches are making things fun and unpredictable.
Uruguay had it's chances and played with no Suarez. I stick to my concept of them being able to take on England or Italy, it remains to be seem what happens with Costa Rica now.
Originally posted by Bentley
I'm assuming Italy will try to anti-football against Uruguay or England and end up to be ineffective against the other while not scoring enough goals for the tie breakers.
Being great at defense is not the same as being anti-football.
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Great performance by Costa Rica though; a couple of players to really watch in the transfer market now.
I really doubt Costa Rica can repeat this performance against the other teams in their group. I won't call it a fluke because that would imply there wasn't skill involved, but in all honesty Costa Rica has had moments of brilliance (beating USA 3-1 in qualifications when the USA was on a 13 game winning streak that included Germany and Bosnia) that just serve to make you forget that on the whole they're a middling team (before that 3-1 victory they'd been beaten the two previous occasions they met the USA, and South Korea which has recently become a doormat for teams like USA and Ghana beat them not too long ago).
Originally posted by Bentley
I think their odds got better now that they won't focus so much at Uruguay. Hope they don't get cocky.
Hopefully.
Originally posted by Omega Vision
I really doubt Costa Rica can repeat this performance against the other teams in their group. I won't call it a fluke because that would imply there wasn't skill involved, but in all honesty Costa Rica has had moments of brilliance (beating USA 3-1 in qualifications when the USA was on a 13 game winning streak that included Germany and Bosnia) that just serve to make you forget that on the whole they're a middling team (before that 3-1 victory they'd been beaten the two previous occasions they met the USA, and South Korea which has recently become a doormat for teams like USA and Ghana beat them not too long ago).
I'd be surprised if CR made it out of the group, tbh. Very surprised, even with England's inconsistency.
Originally posted by Bentley
Costa Rica was disciplined and stubborn, if they can continue that obtuse kind of play they might steal a spot for the next round. They were effective against a defensive Uruguay, so Italy could be a match made in heaven.
I think they'd have a hard time against this Italy, tbh. England played far better than I'd expected, and Italy weathered them well enough.
Plus, Pirlo.
Originally posted by -Pr-
I think they'd have a hard time against this Italy, tbh. England played far better than I'd expected, and Italy weathered them well enough.Plus, Pirlo.
Yeah, actually Italy played a much better game that I originally foresaw, they were at top shape. There is a good chance for England to move forward right now.
Originally posted by Omega Vision
Yeah, seeing Italy and England play I'd say there's almost zero chance of Costa Rican lightning striking twice.(Prepared to eat these words, god forbid)
Both of those teams would have run a train on the sloppy, sluggish Uruguayan team we saw today.
Agreed.
Originally posted by Bentley
Yeah, actually Italy played a much better game that I originally foresaw, they were at top shape. There is a good chance for England to move forward right now.
Yeah; I could see Sterling and Barkley causing CR and UR nothing but trouble.
Originally posted by Bardock42
Not quite by himself, but the dude is good....
He's come a long way these last few years, and he took his goal very well last night. If Italy do well in this world cup, I imagine he's going to be play a large part in it.
Originally posted by Omega Vision
Both of those teams would have run a train on the sloppy, sluggish Uruguayan team we saw today.
That was daggers in my eyes to watch, especially Muslera standing statue-still and making a stupid face while two goals whizz by him.
On a better note, the SUI Vs EDU game is turning out to be a good match, especially these last 25mins. Lots of action.