Brasil '14 - Day 9
Here are the final standings for the LOB's 2013/14 Premiership Predictions Game:
1. What's Up Wheaton Simon - 38 points
2. West Ham Rising - 33 pts
3. The Red Devil FCK1 - 23 pts
- The Red Dragon - 23 pts
5. Sporting Real Salt Lake United Football Club Juniors FC - 22 pts
6. Matt - 21 pts
- United We Stand - 21 pts
8. Blue Devil - 19 pts
- Man Utd Rules - 19 pts
10. Chelskilad - 18 pts
- Yellows - 18 pts
12. Swansong - 14 pts
13. Gooner71 - 13 pts
14. Someone Said - 12 pts
posted by The Blue Devil @ 9:22 AM
20 Comments:
This requires the Italian Job. England must defeat Costa Rica AND Italy must win their remaining two matches in order for England to face Colombia in the Round of 16.
This requires the Italian Job. England must defeat Costa Rica AND Italy must win their remaining two matches in order for England to face Colombia in the Round of 16.
Morning, MUR - you're absolutely right. We need an Italian Job - that's what this has come down to. A draw today and England are out.
The goal difference may well be crucial as well. Here's what that looks like right now:
Costa Rica - +2
Italy - +1
Uruguay - 0
England - -2
The team news for today's clash:
Italy: Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Darmian; De Rossi; Candreva, Pirlo, Thiago Motta, Marchisio; Balotelli.
Costa Rica: Navas; Gamboa, Duarte, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz; Ruiz, Borges, Tejeda, Bolanos; Campbell.
Referee: Enrique Osses (Chile)
We're all Balotelli fans today. He's got 11 goals in 17 starts for Italy. We could use a hat-trick today.
Derek Rae will be boring us with his agricultural references this afternoon.
From the Guardian blog: "In the BBC studio, where pundits are still sifting through the rubble of England's collapse last night, Gary Lineker is sporting an Italy jersey. It's not quite a kiss from the Queen, but will that do, Mr Balotelli?"
Balo has a half-chance there but is pulled back for a push on the defender.
Ten minutes gone now and I was hoping for an early Italian goal to settle the nerves. My nerves, not theirs.
There hasn't been much to encourage England fans so far: Costa Rica are looking dynamic and composed. They've disrupted Italy and prevented them from finding rhythm. Aside from a couple of slack passes early on, there has been no hint of an Italian breakthrough and the Ticos have carried a threat going forward.
Costa Rica are the better team so far. Italy seem increasingly flustered. Corner now...
Pirlo is having to drop really deep in order to get any possession at all.
Balo gets away from his marker for the first time but trips over his feet.
Oh - Balo with two big chances. That's better.
That was a little too close for comfort from Annos. Gigi Buffon does well with it.
Italy look completely devoid of ideas here. Cassano with a weak shot from about 30 yards out.
The Oles ring out now from the Ticos crowd. Oy vey
Not enjoying this at all. England are ten minutes from oblivion.
That's torn it - England are out. Italy may also be in danger now.
Anyone around for the battle of arrogant francophones (I know, that seems redundant)?
After that last game, I would like to see some element of invention in a game.
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