The third and final group stage match for Italy and Uruguay takes place Tuesday in the 2014 World Cup. The match 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 to pick up the victory.
This group has been very entertaining to watch. And after all the games, it all comes down to Italy and Uruguay in this match. England has been eliminated from contention with losses to each one of those teams while Costa Rica found a way to beat both of these teams, earning their place in the knockout stage. England came into the World Cup with the 10th overall world FIFA ranking while Costa Rica was 28th.
Uruguay is ranked seventh and has won this event twice in their history, the most recent time in 1950. Italy had won the World Cup four times and is ranked ninth in the world rankings. Their most recent victory came in 2006 when they knocked off France in the title game. Each of these teams were expected to make it to the knockout stage, but now have to battle each other to see which team advances. These teams have met each other in recent pasts, Uruguay winning a 1-0 friendly in 2011 while Italy picked up a penalty kicks win at the Confederations Cup last year.
Italy can move into the Round of 16 with a draw in this one, however, based on goal differential. They are level by scoring and allowing two goals total while Uruguay has allowed one more goal than they have scored. The Italians boast one of the best defensive units in the world.
Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani will need to play well against the Italian defense for Uruguay. If Suarez is going to be boxed up in this match and unable to move around freely, Cavani could have a major impact with just a few plays. Remember, Cavani has seen time at both Palermo and Napoli so he could have valuable understanding of how Italy will look to defend in this one.
Uruguay, a team that is very efficient and doesn't beat itself, brings a lot of pressure to the pitch and will look to smother Italy in the midfield. Mario Balotelli is looking to attack whenever possible on the field but getting him the ball in a position where he can succeed could be a problem.
Italy, a very tactical team that is methodical, just needs a draw. We think they're able to obtain that in this one and advance to the Round of 16.
Free Pick: Italy 1, Uruguay 1
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