Italy and Uruguay will face off in the Estádio das Dunas on Tuesday, with a place in the last 16 still very much up for grabs for both sides.
With both nations sat on three points each in Group D (three more behind runaway leaders Costa Rica), it is Italy who have slightly the better position, with a goal difference of zero, one better than Óscar Tabárez’s Uruguay.
This means Italy need only a draw against the South Americans to finish in the second qualifying spot, with Uruguay needing all three points to make it through to the knockout round.
Italy looked decidedly average against Costa Rica last time out, which will give Uruguay confidence that they can topple the 2006 winners, with Luis Suarez looking in particularly lethal form.
This should make for an excellent spectacle, as despite Italy only needing the point, they will also surely be pushing for the win they need to stand a chance of topping Group D and avoid what looks to be a last 16 fixture against the impressive Colombia from Group C.
Italy Team News:
Possible XI (4-5-1) – Buffon, Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Darmain, De Rossi, Pirlo, Veratti, Marchisio, Candreva, Balotelli
More to follow…
Uruguay Team News:
Possible XI (4-4-2) – Muslera, A Pereira, Gimenez, Godin, Caceres, M Pereira, Gargano, Rodriguez, Arevalo, Suarez, Cavani
More to follow…
Soccerlens prediction: Italy 1-1 Uruguay
Elation to dejection for the South Americans, who I’m banking on conceding a crushing late equaliser to put them out of the tournament.
Key World Cup links:
Italy World Cup 2014 Team Page.
Uruguay World Cup 2014 Team Page.
World Cup 2014 Matches – Fixtures & Results
World Cup 2014 Player & Team Stats
World Cup 2014 Group Tables
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Our main World Cup 2014 news page.
The Official Soccerlens World Cup Predictor Game.
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