Two former World Cup champions meet on Thursday in a game both need to win to stay alive in a very competitive Group D, a group that was made even more so by a shocking 3-1 upset by Costa Rica over Uruguay on Saturday. You can find our preview of the other game in Group D, Italy vs. Costa Rica, here.
These storied nations will bring plenty of firepower to the match, but it may be down to the quality of their respective defenses that determines which comes away capable of making the Round of 16 at World Cup 2014.
Come away with some winnings of your own when you enter our $500 World Cup predictor contest by taking 30 seconds to answer a few quick questions, then read on for everything you need to know to bet what should be an outstanding game.
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England vs. Uruguay, World Cup 2014, Group Stage Betting Preview and Prediction
The futility for Wayne Rooney continues. Though the freshly re-haired man had more of an impact than in past World Cup appearances, the Manchester United star maintained his scoreless streak at the World Cup Finals, which has now reached 594 minutes without a goal.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Rooney’s beautiful cross to Daniel Sturridge notwithstanding, the English talisman miss-fired on several marquee chances and the Three Lions to a 2-1 loss in their tournament opener.
While England played well overall, they could not vanquish a more complete Italian side, and are now in must-win territoy against Uruguay. The foursome of Danny Welbek, Sturridge, Rooney, and Raheem Sterling was creative and dangerous against the Azzurri, and will look to push against a Uruguayan defense that allowed three goals against Costa Rica.
Offensive strength was a new look for England at the World Cup, as the 2006 and 2010 campaigns were mired by the impotence of the front two of Rooney and Peter Crouch, who struggled to find any chemistry. Still, the English, as usual, must find a way to finish better on their chances if they hope to best Uruguay.
A key for England in this game will be the play of defender Leighton Baines. The Everton back had a mostly-strong game against Italy, driving play from the wing and handling several key, dangerous crosses. That said, he was victimized on the ultimate game winner, as Mario Ballotelli beat him on the decisive header.
If Baines and the rest of the English backline can put their best game forward against Luis Suarez and the Uruguayans, England’s offensive chemistry should handle the rest.
Betting on Uruguay
Uruguay was shocked in their World Cup 2014 opener vs. Costa Rica, allowing three second half goals while the Central Americans simply took control and showed they are more than the also rans in the Group of Death.
These were not circumstantial goals, either. Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell broke down Uruguay’s overmatched back line again and again and all three were things of beauty. At the other end, Uruguay could not muster much after an early offensive push, with Edison Cavani’s penalty the team’s only goal.
Uruguay, expected to defend resolutely in this tournament, needs more from both ends of its starting eleven. All eyes will be on Liverpool star Luis Suarez headed into this game, as the Premier League star is expected to suit up against many of his club level teammates.
Suarez’s presence was visibly missed, as former Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan, alonside Cavani, could not create the chances to equal the Costa Ricans. Just weeks off a knee surgery, Suarez will be hard-pressed to produce in the Brazilian heat, but his performance will nonetheless have the single biggest impact on the outcome of this game.
Writer’s Prediction
A less-than-100% Suarez improves the Uruguayan effort overall, but the Three Lions improve too, en route to a high-scoring victory for England (+123) in a wide-open Group D.
A key for England in this game will be the play of defender Leighton Baines. The Everton back had a mostly-strong game against Italy, driving play from the wing and handling several key, dangerous crosses. That said, he was victimized on the ultimate game winner, as Mario Ballotelli beat him on the decisive header.
