(AP) — COSTA RICA NEWS – A draw between Italy and Costa Rica on Friday would put England out of contention at the World Cup. Luckily for England, neither team will want to settle for one point with so much still at stake in Group D.
Italy and Costa Rica already have a win each, and another victory would let either team take control of the standings. Costa Rica opened with a stunning win over 2010 semifinalist Uruguay, which rebounded with a 2-1 victory over an England team that lost its opener to Italy.
Things to watch for Friday:
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- After beating England 2-1 deep in the Amazon, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli expects his team will “suffer” with a kickoff in the middle of the day against Costa Rica.
- The Italians struggled with the heat and humidity during the Confederations Cup in Brazil last year, and have been preparing for the stifling conditions ever since. Prandelli is urging FIFA to implement water breaks for players during the match, something that might help his team against an opponent that is very familiar with the conditions and in good form after a 3-1 win over Uruguay.
- “We’re ready. We don’t have any more excuses,” Prandelli said. “I really believe that we will suffer, but we have an idea of what we’re going to be doing on the pitch.”
- With English World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, Italy forward Mario Balotelli — who scored the winning goal against the British at Manaus — offered some cheeky encouragement when he tweeted after England lost to Uruguay on Thursday: “If we beat Costa Rica I want a kiss, obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen.”
- Italy has injury concerns about veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and center back Andrea Barzagli, and Prandelli is considering changes in defense. He also has the option of giving Brazilian-born Thiago Motta a start in midfield.
- Joel Campbell, the 21-year-old who scored one goal and set up another against Uruguay, will again be a player to watch for Costa Rica.
Source: Associated Press
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