England - Uruguay

Liverpool superstar Luis Suarez returned for South American outfit Uruguay. He faced club team mates Gerrard, Henderson, Sterling and Sturridge but who would come out on top was too difficult to call.

England found themselves under the cosh at the beginning. Joe Hart scrambled across his goal to keep out a cheeky corner from the genius Suarez while Uruguayan Rodriguez smashed a left footed effort just over the bar. England began to find their feet and Gerrard found Rooney’s head at the back post. Unbelievably to Manchester United striker was unable to find the back of the net when it was easier to score. The ball cannoned off his head onto the bar from just two yards out. Rooney remained goalless on the World Cup stage.  

And then, as many expected, Luis Suarez marked his return with a well-placed header over the head of England Lionheart - Joe Hart. The Liverpool hero ghosted in past England’s defenders and Cavani’s delicate chip found him in space from where he put Uruguay ahead in this crucial encounter. In a manner all too familiar to his opposition Luis Suarez rushed off to celebrate his opener.

Super Suarez shoots Uruguay ahead

Suarez again attempted to catch Joe Hart out by again attempting to score directly from a corner at the near post in an exact replica of the previous attempt. Joe Hart was equal to it and managed to claw it away. Suarez was at the heart of everything. He set Cavani through one-on-one with Joe Hart but the PSG forward put it wide and should have done a lot better.

Rooney continued to desperately search for his first ever world cup goal and he nearly got it when a Leighton Baines crossed found its way to the England talisman inside the area. His left footed shot was too close to the keeper who managed to palm it to safety as Rooney looked miserably on.

He finally came good with 15 minutes left to go. Rooney scored the equaliser when Glen Johnson’s cross found him free at the back post. Rooney made no mistake with the easy tap in and he levelled the score line. England looked good for another too.

However a long punt from Uruguay goalkeeper Muslera beat the English defence – like it did against Germany in South Africa 2010 -after coming of the head of England Captain Steven Gerrard. Luis Suarez had gambled and found himself behind the England defenders through one-on-one with Joe Hart. It was all too obvious what the outcome would be. The net bulged and the little magician wheeled away for the second time as Joe Hart lay helplessly in the dirt. Steven Gerrard picked up another assist for a Luis Suarez goal, although he won’t want it. Gerrard, who has had a fine season, must be cursing his luck after his slip against Chelsea, and now his accidental assist to arguably the best striker in the world at this time.

England were unable to find another equaliser and Uruguay held on for a vital victory. England know they are all but out, although can still qualify, on goal difference, if Italy win both their games, and England beat Costa Rica in their final game by 2 goals.

 England 1 – 2 Uruguay 

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England - Italy

Finally the game all the pundits had been waiting for. England versus Italy. All White versus All Blue. The Three Lions versus The Azzurri. Fish and Chips versus Pizza and Pasta.  Gerrard's beard versus Pirlo's beard.

All the pre-match talk had been about where Manchester United's Wayne Rooney would start and his form. Roy Hodgson opted to start the scouser on the left, with young Raheem Sterling in the middle ahead of club team-mates Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard and behind Daniel Sturridge. Danny Wellbeck completed the attacking line up. If the talk wasn't about Rooney, the other topic of conversation was how to stop the incredible handsome Andrea Pirlo from controlling the game. 

England started brightly, the fearless Sterling almost repaid his managers faith early in the game when an effort from outside the box narrowly went wide of Salvatore Sirugu's goal. He replaced Buffon who had injured himself prior to the game. It was so close the commentators celebrated and the score board changed.

Jordan Henderson also hit an impressive drive forcing a save from the PSG goalkeeper as the Liverpool boys continued on from their excellent league campaign. Italy had plenty of possession, but their impact was limited in the early exchanges. England had the better of the chances but were unable to capitalise as Sterling, Sturridge and Wellbeck all seen chances go begging. It was costly.

Italy broke the deadlock just after the half hour mark when the bearded master, Pirlo allowed the ball to go through his legs and fool the young Raheem Sterling. The pass found Claudio Marchisio outside the box and his shot evaded a crowd of players and nestled into the bottom corner of Joe Hart's goal to put the Italians ahead.

They weren't ahead for long however. The fast footed Sterling, who was having a stunning game released Rooney down the left. Rooney had not been having a good game at all, but his left footed loft found the prolific Daniel Sturridge in the middle who volleyed it home just two minutes after Italy took the lead. Strangely and somewhat ironically, England's physio, Gary Lewin, injured himself during the celebrations. It is believed he tripped over a water bottle and broke his ankle.

Italy nearly took the lead again, but Phi Jagkielka was on hand to nod a cheeky audacious chip by Mario Balotelli over former team mate Joe Hart. Andrea Pirlo continued to stroll around controlling proceedings on the green grass of Manaus like a man 10 years his junior.

England started brightly again after the restart but it was Italy who took the lead again. Candreva, who provides width and pace to his team, delivered an exceptionally accurate cross that eliminated Chelsea defender Gary Cahill and allowed Mario Balotelli to nod past England's number 1 at the back post. "Why always him?", Joe Hart thought.

England attempted to draw level again. A quick neat exchange between Gerrard and Sterling saw the captain burst into the box and get clattered into by Italian and ex-Liverpool defender, Gabriel Paletta. The referee pointed for a goal kick and deemed the contact as just a coming-together.

Rooney also had a golden chance to equalise, and shut the critics up but he dragged his shot wide when it was easier to hit the target. A sign of a man low on confidence, with diminishing talent.

Andrea Pirlo had a final scene in this game stepping up to hit a free kick that thundered against the bar much to the relief of stricken stopper, Hart. Pirlo returned to his wine garden immediately after.

The game ended, and Italy claimed a vital 2 - 1 victory. England face Uruguay whilst Italy meet surprise package Costa Rica next. Pirlo was also on the victorious side in the Battle of the Beards.  His experience and hold on the game was more influential than his opposition, Gerrard, who had unfortunately shaved. While Italy sported seven beards, Engand only mustered one. Wellbeck who had been selected to stop Pirlo had not had the desired result. England can look to Raheem as he produced a sterling performance despite his tender years. Roy Hodgson must seriously consider dropping Rooney for Lallana or Barkley, particularly if they can produce a performance equal to that of Sterling's.

England 1 - 2 Italy 

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Uruguay - Costa Rica

Dark horses Uruguay and unfavoured Costa Rica kicked off Group D. Uruguay began the game without star forward and national hero Luis Suarez following a recent surgery.


The sky blues started off the better team, and showed why they were considered to be a potential surprise winner. Even without Suarez, they sliced through their underdog opponents finally taking the lead before the half hour mark. A swinging free kick from ex-Manchester United flop Diego Forlan found his captain Diego Lugano who was bundled to the ground by an overly-enthusiastic Costa Rican defender. The referee awarded a penalty and the long-haired Edison Cavani stepped up to put his team ahead. The experts locked the door on Costa Rica and wondered how many would Uruguay rack up. But football is a funny old game.


Uruguay lumbered on, the typical lazy South American attitude shone through as they rested on their laurels. Costa Rica took advantage 10 minutes into the second half. Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell, who scored against Moyes' Manchester United for Olympiakos earlier this season, scored again. His left footed volley from inside the box levelled the scoring as he wheeled off to celebrate, sucking his thumb.

Costa Rican star man, Joel Campbell celebrates his equaliser

Minutes later the little Costa Ricans had cause to celebrate again as a free kick found defender Óscar Duarte creeping in round the back. His diving header sneaked in and put the Central Americans ahead in a frantic 3 minute flurry. Suddenly things without Liverpool's Suarez didn't look so rosy as he looked on from the sidelines. He'll be chomping at the bit for his return against England on Thursday...


Costa Rica weren't finished yet as they continued to shock the world. A perfect through ball found substitute Urena who had replaced Bryan Ruiz - arguably Los Ticos' most well known player, after the retired Paolo Wanchope. Urena finished beautifully with his first touch as he nicked the ball past the onrushing Muslera to make it 3 - 1 in the 84th minute.


The Uruguians were to suffer more misery, their feisty characteristics got the better of Maxi Pereira as he scythed down Campbell in the corner. The German referee showed the bald defender a straight red card following his brutal attack on the Man Of The Match.


This result certainly spices things up in this group that also consists of England and Italy. Costa Rica could well surprise these giants of football too and slink into the last 16. Certainly the biggest shock of the tournament so far.

Uruguay 1 - 3 Costa Rica

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