- Suarez goads English critics
- Italy to be England’s World Cup saviors?
- Soccerlens’ predictions for Italy v Costa Rica, Switzerland v France and Honduras v Ecuador
Luis Suarez – ‘I want to see what the people in England think now!’
Uruguay hero (and England tormentor) Luis Suarez has said last night’s win was ‘one of the best games I’ve played’, and that he has now shut his critics up with his deadly brace in the 2-1 Uruguay win over the Three Lions; a win that has put Roy Hodgson’s men on the very cusp of being eliminated from the World Cup.
Suarez, 27, has not had the best relationship with the English press during his time at Liverpool, with a string of misdemeanors once leaving him on the brink of quitting the club and moving abroad.
But Suarez believes now that his match-winning performance last night, leading by example up top, will see him finally best his own tormentors, with the striker gloating to all who would listen last night after the final whistle,
“It was one of the best games I’ve played,” Suraez told BT Sports, “It’s an amazing moment for me. Maybe a few days ago I thought this wouldn’t be possible.
“Before the game too many people in England laughed about my attitude over the last few years. This is a very good time for me. I want to see what they think now.”
Read More:
Uruguay 2-1 England – Full Match Report and Stats
Highlights: Luis Suarez brace puts England on the edge of elimination
Italy now England’s only hope of salvation
With England now bottom of Group D, without a single point to their name, the fate of the nation now rests with Italy, who can provide the platform on which the Three Lions can secure a miracle recovery.
If the Italians beat Costa Rica later today, and then the Uruguayans next week, England have only to beat the Costa Ricans (by a required scoreline) to qualify for the last 16.
It is by no means hopeless at this point, with Italy certainly favourites to win both games, but there is a worry that if the Azzurri beat Costa Rica today, and only in need of a draw in their final match against Uruguay to go through, then manager Cesare Prandelli may look to rest some of his star performers for the last game.
Mario Balotelli, scorer of the winning goal against England in the first group game and a reported Arsenal target, is one of the Italians’ top names, and his absence would certainly weaken the Azzurri.
But he seems very willing to do the Three Lions a favour, and keep them in the competition by ousting Costa Rica; but wants a peck on the cheek from Queen Elizabeth if they do so!
If we beat Costa Rica i want a kiss,obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen. — Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) June 19, 2014
Read more:
Italy: World Cup 2014 Team Page
Costa Rica: World Cup 2014 Team Page
Mario Balotelli to decide future after the World Cup, with Arsenal watching intently Feature: Luis Suarez gets his revenge, but at what cost?
‘Rivaldo’s Gamble’ – Beat Soccerlens at predicting Brazil 2014
Brazilian legend Rivaldo took the ultimate gamble in the 2002 World Cup, hurling himself to the floor in what was a successful attempt to get an opposition player sent off; and now you have the chance to indulge in similarly heart-pumping risk taking, taking on Soccerlens in the SuperBru 2014 World Cup Prediction Game, and if you come out on top in the Soccerlens pool at the end of the tournament, you win a £100 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check the daily World Cup roundups for our latest predictions, and links to the game. It’s free to join, and comes with no balls booted at you by over-zealous Turks.
Soccerlens Tom’s World Cup Day 9 Predictions:
Italy 3-0 Costa Rica: Prandelli’s boys to keep England in the World Cup with a comfortable win
Switzerland 0-1 France: A hard-fought contest, but won that should be snatched by the French
Honduras 0-2 Ecuador: Attack vs defence here, but one that the often unpredictable Ecuador should edge.
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