2014 World Cup Odds: Group D Picks and Predictions – Uruguay the Favorite: The “Group of Death” moniker gets thrown around a lot at the World Cup, but at least from a historical standpoint, Group D can stake its claim to the title. For the first time in the tournament’s history, three countries that have won the World Cup will be paired in the same group. In fact, Italy, Uruguay and England have combined to win seven of the 19 World Cup titles with Italy winning it all as recently as 2006. Costa Rica rounds out the group and seems destined to be a punching bag for the trio of powerhouses, and that only adds to the drama that is going to unfold when three strong teams battle out for two spots in the knockout round.
Projected Winner: Uruguay
Despite a sloppy performance in qualifying, the real question mark surrounding Uruguay heading into the World Cup was the health of forward Luiz Suarez, but by all accounts it appears that he will be on the field when the tournament begins. Suarez led Uruguay’s qualifying region with 11 goals, and his 31 goals in the Premier League this season tied a record. With Suarez healthy, this team’s offense becomes truly explosive. Granted, Uruguay’s midfield and defense are just average, but few Suarez and company have the offensive firepower to snag the top spot in Group D.
Projected Runner-Up: Italy
After reaching the knockout stage in eight straight World Cups, Italy failed to get out of pool play in 2010. Look for that to change in Brazil as Italy brings a squad loaded with offensive firepower that has performed well heading into the tournament. Italy didn’t lose a match in World Cup qualifying, and in friendlies against powerhouse Germany and Spain, this group came away with a draw and a narrow 1-0 defeat. Mario Balotelli is one of the biggest X-factor in the World Cup, and if he is on top of his game, this is a championship-caliber team. Even if his focus comes and goes, Italy has the overall balance to advance to the knockout stage in a tough Group D.
Potential Sleeper: England
England is known for fielding solid squads, but while trouble traditionally has found the country early in knockout play, England will need to be on its game just to advance out of a loaded Group D. Goaltender Joe Hart will likely be the deciding factor in England’s fate, and he has a lot to prove after a shaky season in the Premier League. On the flip side, forward Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard lead what should be a steady offensive attack, and in just about any other group, England would be in good shape to advance.
Team to Avoid: Costa Rica
With an offense that relies almost-solely on forward Bryan Ruiz, Costa Rica would have been facing an uphill battle in any group. Landing in a loaded a Group D is basically a death sentence for a team with a respectable defense but next to no offensive firepower. Costa Rica went winless in pool play in the last World Cup, and this team doesn’t figure to be any more competitive in Brazil.
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