Modest Costa Ricans give tactical masterclass
Who would have thought, eh? Little Costa Rica, the central Americans written off before a ball was kicked, delivered a couple of knockout blows, both wholly deserved. Each was based on a perfectly executed game plan. Jorge Luis Pinto, their coach, has made more than the most of the resources at his disposal. His 5-4-1 formation stifled Uruguay and Italy’s attacking threat, while also allowing Costa Rica to utilise their counter-attacking prowess. Wing-backs Cristian Gamboa and Junior Diaz maraud the flanks, with Celso Borges carrying creative duties from central midfield. And they work incredibly hard; Uruguay and Italy simply could not cope with Pinto’s pressing game. There is so much to like about this Costa Rica side’s application and endeavour, and they have been rewarded with top spot in the group and a very realistic chance of a quarter-finals berth. Pinto got it spot on tactically. He and his players should be celebrated in equal measure.
England need to find the right midfield partnership
In the end, it looked like it always seems to have done. On Tuesday, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard concluded England’s final group match as their central midfield duo. It was the Three Lions’ last fixture of this World Cup, and should bring the end to the international careers of both Gerrard and Lampard, too. The age-old conundrum must be replaced by a youthful solution. Although, for the moment at least, there does not appear to be an obvious answer. Ross Barkley and Jack Wilshire started against Costa Rica, but they are not a natural fit; each is best served affecting play in the final third. And therein lies the rub: England simply do not have a sufficiently proficient player to anchor midfield, to provide a balance to the ballast. Michael Carrick is presumably as close as it gets, but would you trust him to shield what has become an increasingly shaky defence? It offers yet another headache for Hodgson.
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Prandelli out but he did a lot right as Azzurri coach
Italy’s early exit was confirmed five days later than England’s, but it met with similar amounts of choler and condemnation. The repercussions were rapid: coach Cesare Prandelli tendered his resignation, as did the head of the Italian federation. The first time in 48 years that Italy have bowed out at the first stage at successive World Cup finals will cut deep, especially as this refashioned side was expected to make up for the 2010 debacle. Prandelli had taken over a national team in desperate need of a revamp, disconnected from its supporters and debilitated by ill-disciple. He introduced a code of ethics, and was not afraid to reprimand star names such as Daniele De Rossi and Mario Balotelli. A move away from Italy’s traditional defensive style was sought, Prandelli introducing to the set-up Marco Verratti, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne. He guided Italy to the Euro 2012 final. Yes, Brazil was a huge disappointment, but Prandelli’s reign will serve well the national team in the long-run.
Strikers aside, this is a distinctly average Uruguay
Ok, so with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani in attack, Oscar Tabarez has a frontline the envy of many. In two flashes of brilliance against England, Suarez underlined his world-class ability. Cavani, meanwhile, is a more-than-able partner, who enjoyed a reasonably prolific debut season with Paris Saint-Germain. But look past the strike pair, and aside from Diego Godin, Uruguay do not particularly stand out. The two other Diegos – Lugano and Forlan – are no longer the forces they once were, with the former injured and the latter a reserve. The midfield axis of Diego Perez and Egidio Arevalo Rios is beginning to creak, as well. Remember, Uruguay required a play-off just to make it to Brazil. Granted, having Suarez and Cavani sets them apart from a lot of teams, and they have qualified for the last 16, but this is one finals too far for Tabarez’s trusted lieutenants. Colombia will prove too strong on Saturday.
For all his genius, Suarez is fundamentally flawed
Perhaps it is stating the obvious, especially given Luis Suarez’s rap sheet of misdemeanours, minor and major. Yet when he apparently sunk his teeth into Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder in Tuesday’s final group match with Italy, the old demons had resurfaced. Suarez, undoubtedly gifted, has already been banned for 17 matches across two offences for biting an opponent. Belatedly, he apologised for both. However, against Italy, he seriously undermined recent claims he has learnt from past mistakes. After the match, Suarez passed off his skirmish with Chiellini, saying: “These things happen on the pitch, and we don’t have to give them so much [importance].” It was almost as childish as the reported bite, if the clenching of the jaw on a rivals’ skin can be described as such. Suarez is rightfully hailed as one of the world’s finest footballers, but his repeated transgressions ensure he remains an incredibly divisive character. If found guilty here, he should pay a heavy price.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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