The 2014 World Cup has been a brilliant spectacle and today should be no different. Italy will take on Costa Rica in the second match for both teams. The game is scheduled for a 12:00 p.m. (EST) start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the odds for the match have Italy as the favorite in this matchup.

The Group D matches have been fun to watch and today's first game with Italy taking on Costa Rica should be no different. The Italians won their opening game of the World Cup, 2-1, over England. The two squads were tied in the opening half before Mario Balotelli scored what would be the game-winner in the 50th minute of the contest. Costa Rica comes into today's game with three points as well. They won their opening match over Uruguay 3-1. Costa Rica actually trailed 1-0 at halftime in their opening match. Yet, they were able to tally three marks in the second half. 

With England's loss on Thursday to Uruguay, all three other teams in the Group have three points. The English are on the verge of elimination and there's nothing they can do about it with zero points. 

These two squads have never met on the pitch in a competitive atmosphere. Whichever team picks up a victory in this matchup will be marching on to the Round of 16. 

Italy will have to play more efficiently on offense than Uruguay did. Costa Rica was able to keep their offense very plain and Uruguay was able to only get one tally on the board. 

The Italian defense will also be important. Joel Campbell played a very important role for Costa Rica in their opening match, but the Italian defenders might be able to corral him. Campbell drew a whole bunch of fouls against Uruguay and assisted on a goal as well.

We like Italy to win this match 2-1. The Italians are better in the midfield and we like them to win the match there. 

Free Pick: Italy 2, Costa Rica 1

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