Cracking array of attacking options - Suarez, Cavani, Forlan (still!), and Hernandez. I wouldn't say they had many weak links as most of their players play for top division sides in Italy and Spain.
The CB that's just starred for Atletico - Godin. He's quality as well. They've maybe got the best South American goalie too in Muslera.
So a good team with a very dangerous attack, ranked 6th in the world. They deserve respect.
For me the key game is Costa Rica for us, Italy and Uruguay. I actually fancy all three to finish on 5 points (All beating Costa Rica but all drawing with each other). If so it'll come down to goal difference.
I think Roy is playing a clever game, he knows hes in the group of death so rather than take the older guys and get lambasted when they get dumped before the 1/4 finals, for not playing the fantastic youngsters England have, he is taking all the young uns ( will he play them?) so now when they get dumped everyone will have it down as glorious defeat and they were never expected to do well in the group etc etc
Uruguay start against Costa Rica, good chance of 3 points in the bag. I actually think England have more chance of getting through at the expense of Italy who are often slow starters in tournaments.
Italy are notoriously slow starters and both teams will probably be happy with a point in the Manaus heat. Uruguay are beatable, despite their strong attack, and let's face it all three sides should be beating Costa Rica with England having the advantage of playing the two tougher games first, one of the other two (probably Uruguay) may well go into their last game against each other knowing that a draw may not be enough to qualify so will have to go for a win. We may look at Italy and Uruguay with some trepidation, but they won't be too keen on playing against us either.
Then we'll probably lose to Ivory Coast or Colombia in round 2
For me the key game is Costa Rica for us, Italy and Uruguay. I actually fancy all three to finish on 5 points (All beating Costa Rica but all drawing with each other). If so it'll come down to goal difference.
England and Italy for me in this group.
Exactly how I see it too, and it'll come down to how many each of us beat Costa Rica by.
Italy are notoriously slow starters and both teams will probably be happy with a point in the Manaus heat. Uruguay are beatable, despite their strong attack, and let's face it all three sides should be beating Costa Rica with England having the advantage of playing the two tougher games first, one of the other two (probably Uruguay) may well go into their last game against each other knowing that a draw may not be enough to qualify so will have to go for a win. We may look at Italy and Uruguay with some trepidation, but they won't be too keen on playing against us either.
Then we'll probably lose to Ivory Coast or Colombia in round 2
Italy are slow starters but I don't think that will be the case this time. It's usually when they are in a group they should be winning easily they turn up late. I think England should try and surprise them though, press high and attack early. It will be tough in the heat though, but an early goal would be great for them.
Cavani is the obvious one. I think the strength of the Uruguay team is that they have pretty much played the same team for the past 4+ years so pretty much everyone knows their roles. Their defence is pretty good though - Diego Godin has been excellent for Atletico and the two full backs are very good also. The midfield is industrious, their job is to win the ball back and give it quickly to the front three who are well known to do damage on the break.
If we win a game I will be surprised. Having Roy in charge feels me with no confidence & playing in the heat of Brazil will not help us.
The best I can hope for is a draw against Italy & Costa Rica.
I hope I'm proved wrong:(
I think even with Hodgson's defensive style we will beat Costa Rica. I think we're capable of getting at least a draw against the other two sides, which would give us five points and may well help us squeeze through. It is quite a tough group, though.
Comments
Think they'll reach quarters and bow out then
I think we can get out of the group stage. There isn't a team we should really be afraid of. Brazil & Argentina could cause us problems though.
I could easily the table ending either
9
4
4
0
or
5
5
5
0
with England being one of the 4's/5's, so goals scored could be very important, don't see us excelling there.
Voted no cos I'm a pessimist.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguay_national_football_team#Current_squad
A couple of decent names there.
Very scary up front with Cavani and Suarez :S
Cracking array of attacking options - Suarez, Cavani, Forlan (still!), and Hernandez. I wouldn't say they had many weak links as most of their players play for top division sides in Italy and Spain.
The CB that's just starred for Atletico - Godin. He's quality as well. They've maybe got the best South American goalie too in Muslera.
So a good team with a very dangerous attack, ranked 6th in the world. They deserve respect.
For me the key game is Costa Rica for us, Italy and Uruguay. I actually fancy all three to finish on 5 points (All beating Costa Rica but all drawing with each other). If so it'll come down to goal difference.
England and Italy for me in this group.
There are at least two other groups harder than ours.
Italy are notoriously slow starters and both teams will probably be happy with a point in the Manaus heat. Uruguay are beatable, despite their strong attack, and let's face it all three sides should be beating Costa Rica with England having the advantage of playing the two tougher games first, one of the other two (probably Uruguay) may well go into their last game against each other knowing that a draw may not be enough to qualify so will have to go for a win. We may look at Italy and Uruguay with some trepidation, but they won't be too keen on playing against us either.
Then we'll probably lose to Ivory Coast or Colombia in round 2
Exactly how I see it too, and it'll come down to how many each of us beat Costa Rica by.
Italy are slow starters but I don't think that will be the case this time. It's usually when they are in a group they should be winning easily they turn up late. I think England should try and surprise them though, press high and attack early. It will be tough in the heat though, but an early goal would be great for them.
Cavani is the obvious one. I think the strength of the Uruguay team is that they have pretty much played the same team for the past 4+ years so pretty much everyone knows their roles. Their defence is pretty good though - Diego Godin has been excellent for Atletico and the two full backs are very good also. The midfield is industrious, their job is to win the ball back and give it quickly to the front three who are well known to do damage on the break.
If we win a game I will be surprised. Having Roy in charge feels me with no confidence & playing in the heat of Brazil will not help us.
The best I can hope for is a draw against Italy & Costa Rica.
I hope I'm proved wrong:(
I think even with Hodgson's defensive style we will beat Costa Rica. I think we're capable of getting at least a draw against the other two sides, which would give us five points and may well help us squeeze through. It is quite a tough group, though.
Italy 0-0 draw
Uruguay 0-2 loss
Costa Rica 1-0 win
England finish 3rd