The World Cup- A Guide To Group D

Group D - Uruguay- Costa Rica- England - Italy

Uruguay

The Manager: Óscar Tabárez

• Star Player: Luis Suárez
• Position: Striker
• Age: 27
• Team: Liverpool FC
• Why? Arguably the best striker in world football, coming off the best season of his career to date. He possesses both superb technical ability and a tenacious will to win and will surely to be looking to expand upon his ever-growing reputation in Brazil. Group opponents England, containing five of his Liverpool team-mates, will certainly be aware of his immense talent and a World Cup on his home continent could be just the platform to cement his status as a truly great forward. A partnership with Cavani could be just the potion to conjure up another excellent tournament.

• One to Watch: Fernando Muslera
  
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Age: 27
• Team: Galatasaray
• Why? Muslera has been a mainstay in between the sticks for Galatasaray since his big money move from Lazio. With a fairly weak central defence in front of him, he will need to be on his best form if Uruguay are going to advance out of his group.

• Wildcard: Diego Lugano
  
• Position: Central Defender
• Age: 33
• Team: Free Agent
• Why? Uruguay’s captain, struggled with West Brom in the Premier League this season which has saw him be released by the midlands club. With sloth-like pace, I'm not sure if he can be relied on to inspire others around him when facing the likes of Sturridge or Balotelli one-on-one.

Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Martin Silva (Vasco da Gama), Rodrigo Munoz (Libertad).

Defenders: Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica), Diego Lugano (West Bromwich Albion), Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez (both Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Coates (Liverpool), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Jorge Fucile (Porto).

Midfielders: Alvaro Gonzalez (Lazio), Alvaro Pereira (Sao Paulo), Walter Gargano (Parma), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Morelia), Diego Perez (Bologna), Cristian Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton), Nicolas Lodeiro (Botafogo).

Forwards: Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Edinson Cavani (Paris St-Germain), Abel Hernandez (Palermo), Diego Forlan (Cerezo Osaka), Christian Stuani (Espanyol).

Fun Fact: Diego Lugano has a self made motivational video on Youtube to the scene with Al Pacino from Any Given Sunday

Costa Rica

The Manager: Jorge Luis Pinto

• Star Player: Keylor Navas
  
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Age: 27
• Team: Levante
• Why? Navas came out of nowhere to become one of the stand out goalkeepers in La Liga this season. After an immense season with Levante, Navas will most certainly need to bring that form to the World Cup to shut the attack-heavy teams out in Group D. Surely an impossible task, however he thrives on shot stopping.

• One to Watch: Joel Campbell
• Position: Striker
• Age: 21
• Team: Arsenal
• Why? Campbell is capable of creating goals out of next to nothing, the young Arsenal forward is expected to carry his country in Brazil. After gaining valuable experience this season with Olympiacos in the Champions League, he will be more ready than ever to tackle the World’s best defences. Arsenal could have a cheeky striker in the making for next season.

• Wildcard: Bryan Ruiz
  
• Position: Winger/ Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 28
• Team: PSV
• Why? Bryan Ruiz has technical quality, however the only consistent thing about him is his inconsistency. The World Cup could go one of two ways for the PSV wide man, he could play out of his skin and help Costa Rica to an upset, or his head will drop and he will be invisible. He's an enigma, so we'll just have to wait and see what kind of character he possesses in Brazil.

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Levante), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense) Daniel Cambronero (Herediano).

Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew), Michael Umana (Saprissa), Oscar Duarte (Bruges), Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Junior Diaz (Mainz 05), Christian Gamboa (Rosenborg), Roy Miller (New York Red Bulls).

Midfielders: Celso Borges (AIK), Christian Bolanos (Copenhagen), Esteban Granados (Herediano), Michael Barrantes (Aalesund), Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa), Diego Calvo (Valerenga), Jose Miguel Cubero (Herediano).

Forwards: Bryan Ruiz (PSV Eindhoven, on loan from Fulham), Joel Campbell (Olympiakos, on loan from Arsenal), Randall Brenes (Cartagines), Marco Urena (FC Kuban Krasnodar).

Fun Fact: Joel Campbell Simulator 2014 

England

The Manager: Roy Hodgson

• Star Player: Wayne Rooney
• Position: Forward
• Age: 28
• Team: Manchester United
• Why? There is no doubt that on his day Rooney has the ability to single handedly win matches. However, it is his mental strength that will determine whether or not he can England's key man and goalscorer. The English media don't make it easy for him and whether or not he has the strength to put the doubts aside and perform effectively and consistantly is still the big question.

• One to Watch: Raheem Sterling
  
• Position: Winger
• Age: 19
• Team: Liverpool
• Why? A doubt to even make the plane to Brazil at the start of the season, it now looks likely the precocious teenage talent will be named in Roy Hodgson's starting XI when the tournament begins. With pace, skill, technique and a keen eye for a pass, Sterling's young shoulders may well carry the weight of a nation's hopes as England look to him to provide a creative spark that has been sorely lacking in recent tournaments. Gerrard and Sturridge will be key to Sterling's directness which has been sorely lacking from previous England team's at a major tournament.

• Wildcard: Ross Barkley
• Position: Central Attacking Midfielder
  
• Age: 20
• Team: Everton
• Why? Barkley showed signs of brilliance in his first full season with Everton, warranting his inclusion to this England team. He'll undoubtedly be used off of the bench, with his explosive running from deep and range of passing being utilised to cause problems late on in the group games. If England have a shocker in their first match against Italy, don't be surprised to see Barkley start the second next one.

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson (both Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

Fun Fact: Wayne Rooney supports Celtic. Coming to a SPL ground near you in the year 2018.

In addition, here is Wazza's Spotify music. Enjoy:

http://open.spotify.com/user/rooneyonspotify

Italy

The Manager: Cesare Prandelli

• Star Player: Andrea Pirlo
  
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 35
• Team: Juventus
• Why? Still the star man for his country in his later years, Pirlo isn't showing any signs of slowing down. The maestro of a world-class midfield with Marchisio and De Rossi, he'll be expected to control the Azzuri's tempo with his metronomic passing game. This will especially be key with the heat and stifling humidity of the Brazilian climate.

• One to Watch: Lorenzo Insigne
• Position: Winger/Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 22
• Team: Napoli
• Why? A player who has it all. Likes to play the trequartista role with defence splitting passes, inch perfect crosses and an eye for goal from distance. His only downside is his composure in front of goal. It will be difficult for Insigne to break into the starting lineup but when he does get an opportunity, expect him to bring the game to life.

• Wildcard: Mario Balotelli
  
• Position: Striker
• Age: 23
• Team: AC Milan
• Why? Labeled as ‘mental’ by most of Italy, Balotelli hasn't been in great form for a poor AC Milan side this season. Prandelli will feel he is just too good on his day to leave out though, which was proved the case in EURO 2012. When Mario puts his mind to it, he is a world-class clinical striker who can terrorise any defence. His lines of running and movement in synchronisation with Pirlo's passing are paramount to Italy's success.

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St-Germain), Mattia Perin (Genoa).

Defenders: Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorigo Chiellini (all Juventus), Gabriel Paletta (Parma), Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio (both AC Milan), Matteo Darmian (Torino).

Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio (both Juventus), Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti (both Paris St-Germain), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Marco Parolo (Parma), Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina).

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), Antonio Cassano (Parma), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli).

Fun Fact: Italy's World Cup kit contain “micro-massage” taping to “provide players with a faster, more effective energy supply to the active muscles."

Just under a week to go!

1st Test Pre-Roar Australia v Lions

BOD breaking the line against Australia in 2001. Can he do it again?

Saturday is the first test between Australia and The British & Irish Lions. I'm going to go through the Lions selection for this match and see what is what.

2. Tom Youngs-England-Hooker

Youngs is picked at hooker. For his dynamism at the breakdown, solid lineout throwing and scrummaging. The former centre could really show the rugby world what he has in the locker

1. Alex Corbisiero-England-Prop

3.Adam Jones-Wales-Prop

Jones is one of the strongest tightheads around and his consistency and experience had almost guaranteed test selection before the initial squad selection was announced.

Corbisiero is starting because he is a beast in the scrum. Personally, I don't think he has earned his jersey but Gatland (the ex-front row) thinks the test match will be won or lost in the scrummaging.

4. Alun Wyn Jones-Wales-Second Row

5. Paul O'Connell-Ireland-Second Row

Mr Consistent in Wyn Jones and Mr Experience in O'Connell. The Welsh lock has been one of the most underrated players in British rugby for years. He does the basics exceptionally well and makes playing second row look easy. O'Connell is one of the unofficial captains in this squad. British & Irish Lions experience and a gladiatorial presence about him, the 2009 Lions captain is powerful and inspirational in equal measures.

6. Sam Warburton-Wales-Captain-Blindside Flanker

7. Tom Croft-England-Openside Flanker

Warburton is the series captain and a turnover specialist. I'm still not sure if he is the best current back row number six, however the management have faith in his leadership and ability to disrupt the Australian's quick ball. Tom Croft has performed well on tour and his elusive running and speed around the pitch are qualities essential to the Lions game plan.

8. Jamie Heaslip-Ireland-Number 8

Heaslip on his day is a word class line breaking off-loader. I have had doubts over his form after his recent injuries, however he has the footballing ability on the rugby field to prove me wrong and dominate with ball in hand.

9 .Mike Phillips-Wales-Scrum-Half

10. Jonathan Sexton-Ireland-Stand Off

The scrum half position is where I genuinely believe the first test will be won. Phillips is the physical 'extra forward' scrum half, while Will Genia for Australia is a lightening quick passer and a spectacular broken field runner. It will be fascinating to witness the contrasting number 9's performances.
Sexton starts at much debated fly-half. Stronger all round game compared to Farrell, with more experience and defensively more effective too. His distribution is key and BOD will be combining with Sexton vocally to get the forwards running lines and creating holes on Saturday,

12. Jonathan Davies-Wales-Inside Centre

13. Brian O'Driscoll-Ireland-Outside Centre

Davies has shown world rugby that he has a brilliant all-round game. He can kick, pass and tackle with the best of them. But where his ultimate strength lies is his support running and off-loading. Alongside O'Driscoll, Davies could be remembered as a Lions great. BOD may not have the same pace any more, however he still has world class vision and skill to change a game in a split second.

11. Alex Cuthbert-Wales-Wing

14. George North-Wales-Wing

15. Leigh Halfpenny-Wales-Fullback

The Welsh back three trio of Cuthbert, North and Halfpenny ran riot at this year's Six Nations and this combination is proven at test level. Cuthbert has had an excellent try scoring tour and deservedly starts the first test match. Giant George North has only just overcome fitness fears and if he plays to his potential he could cause serious damage to the Australian's defensive line. A physical beast. Last but not least is Leigh Halfpenny. His metronomic style goal kicking is one thing, but he possesses world class tackling technique and razor sharp covering from deep. He'll be a match winner for the Lions if the first match is scrappy with penalties a plenty.

The Bench Warmers

Dan Cole

Richard Hibbard

Ben Youngs

Geoff Parling

Mako Vunipola

Owen Farrell

Sean Maitland

There is a pretty obvious selection policy from the Lions management. Big, strong, physical players. Combined with experience and proven ability at the very highest level. Hence why players like Toby Faletau, Stuart Hogg, Justin Tipuric and Richie Gray didn't make the squad. It is no coincidence that these players were given the most game time prior to this first test to prove themselves of a starting place. A few players were sold out in the last match (Hogg being played at 10 against International test standard players). The team selected had neither the structure or leadership to handle the step up against the high flying Brumbies.

As a Scotsman, one player on the bench is disappointing. But the management have their favoured players and those who they have trained and working with before. Which is no coincidence that there are no Scottish coaches on tour. The mind boggles...

I think the score will be tight and there will be single figure points in the 1st test...

Australia 24-18 British & Irish Lions

You are tolerating Pie Sports News

So here you are... Attempting to read the first installment of Pie Sports News. Fairly average blog name, however It will have a no frills style and tasty helping of piping hot opinions. Hopefully I can stir up a debate in relation to the current sporting issues. There we have it.

"Let's be 'avin you! Come on!"

(Delia Smith CBE 28-2-05)

The British & Irish Lions are going to eat your Wallabies

On Tuesday past, the British and Irish Lions touring squad to Australia was announced at 11am. Thus sparking the inevitable hysteria of: who wasn't picked? 

Most of the immediate headlines were Jonny Wilkinson based, due to his failure to make the squad. However it should really have been about the achievement of  the youngest ever captain Sam Warburton or the 'wildcard' selection of Matt Stevens who was previously banned for recreational drugs (cocaine). After the coverage of the each player who made the 37, Wilkinson released a statement basically saying that due to Toulon commitments in their bid for a Heineken Cup and Top 14 double and his physical condition he may not be able to handle a hectic tour to Australia he opted out of selection. This could be the case, but In my opinion it was badly timed. Surely a clear statement before the Lions selection would have been more creditable and not a cover up that he was not going to be in the squad or guaranteed game time by Warren Gatland...

Anyway, I digress. As a proud Scotsman, the inclusion of only 3 players in Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors) and Richie Gray (Sale Sharks- just signed for Castres) was disappointing but not unexpected. On pure rugby ability alone, I don't think many can argue that the other possible Scotland Internationals should make the Lions squad on merit. That is just the sad realism of the matter. Regardless of the much Improved Six Nations Championship, Scotland are still seen as the weakest of the home nations. So the selection of 15 Welsh, 10 English, 9 Irish and 3 Scots is not the start of a bad joke but a fair distribution of players from the 6 Nations and recent International success for these countries.

The 3 Scotsmen picked have a genuine chance to become (World Class) big players off the back of this tour. Maitland's try scoring ability is exceptional and his proven Super 14/ Canterbury Crusaders strike rate and New Zealand pedigree is a huge positive for a wing slot in the 1st XV against the Aussies. Not to mention being picked previously by Gatland for Waikato. Richie Gray has struggled in recent months playing with a poor Sale Sharks team and having just recovered from a serious injury, however his form prior to this was exemplary for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland in the 2012 Six Nations. His lineout prowess and ball carrying skills in the contact area are very strong. But Gray is deceptively mobile and allusive at 6ft10 and 20st2lb, which adds to his chances of making the first test. Finally, Stuart Hogg is the shining light of Scottish rugby right now at the tender age of 20. A portfolio of scintillating individual tries has propelled the Hawk lad into the rugby world's spotlight. The rare natural talent of acceleration, pace and agility are enough for most rugby players to feel blessed by. However Hogg has a fantastic boot and the ability to find and create space coming from 15. He is my shout for the player that will put his hand up and create a legend for himself, purely because of his untapped versatility in the back line.

There is no doubt that Gatland, Howley, Jenkins, Farrel and Rowntree have picked the very best players available. A blend of previous Lions experience and new recruits will hopefully result in the most successful Lions tour of modern times. For Brian O'Driscall, Paul O'Connell, Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips this will be their last Lions tour and these four are all leaders, communicators and key cogs in the Lions machine. To match the Australians the British & Irish Lions will have to be physically competitive in all aspects of their game, especially in the forwards. The call up of Dan Lydiate from a recent injury is a gamble, but arguably has the possibly the most effective tackling in the Northern Hemisphere. His player of the tournament for the 2012 Six Nations was partly down to his ability to tackle and secure turnover ball in almost a single motion. Which against Australia is essential to provide the platform for North, Bowe, Maitland and Cuthbert to name just the wingers.

Here is my Lions XV that I would pick if the first test match was tomorrow:

 Australia are very strong in all departments especially in the form of Scott Higginbotham the rampaging skillful beast of a flanker/8 and Will Genia as the world's best scrum half and sniping linebreaker, also Digby Ioane the break-dancing wing, lethal in open play. Arguably the key man is Michael Hooper, the young pretender to the injured David Pocock. Hooper is in the frighteningly similar mold to the 'human bridge' turnover king Pocock and at the age of just 21 his potential is truly frightening.

Last but not least, there would have been numerous disappointed International players kicking TVs, throwing phones at the wall and uttering: "he's shite, I'm way better than him", when the 37 Lions were announced on Tuesday. But the inevitable injuries that players pick up at the end of a season mean for a lucky few they may get that phone call to come on tour. So here is my standby Lions XV for you to rate and tut at:

That's it ladies, the end of my first Lions post and hopefully it has been insightful and if not... Just get out.