In a match between former World Cup Champions, Italy clashes with Uruguay with a place in the Round of 16 on the line. In what is expected to be the match of the day, the two Group D juggernauts will play a “do or die” game Tuesday in Natal.
Italy is reeling after a comatose performance against Costa Rica last Wednesday in which the four-time champions ended their consecutive games with a goal scored streak at 15. Italy’s infamous defensive style of play was on display in the match as they only conceded one very lucky goal to Costa Rica in the first half. However, their offense looked anemic and struggled throughout the day. Azzurri goalie and captain, Gianluigi Buffon hinted that his team’s lackluster performance on offense in that match may have been due to the hot and humid weather conditions in Brazil. “I think a lot of European teams are struggling compared to the Latin Americas. But that isn’t an excuse. The climate is the same for all of our opponents.” He said.
Uruguay struggled in their opening against the same Costa Rica team who beat Italy. Uruguay had the lead early, but surrendered three second half goals and lost 3-1 to the current winner of Group D. They bounced back however in their second match against England, mostly due to the return of star striker, Luis Suarez whose double was the difference in the 2-1 victory.
If you are a soccer purist, this match proves to be one of the most exciting of the 2014 World Cup tournament. These two teams know each other intimately and have played each other a handful of times recently. Every match they’ve played has been close, including in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup a year ago in which the game ended in a tie and Italy went on to win on penalties.
There will be no surprises in this match for either side and the tactical strategy that will be implemented by both coaches should be fascinating to watch. Italy’s Coach Cesare Prandelli is familiar with Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani who plays for Napoli in the Italian league. Uruguay’s Coach, Oscar Tabarez is also very familiar with the Azzurri after two coaching stints with AC Milan and Cagliari. "For me it would not be like winning any other match. The prospect of beating one of the best teams in the world is a huge motivation for me," he said.
It will be interesting to watch how the pressure affects both teams in this “winner take all” battle. For Italy, a win or draw and they advance into the Round of 16. For Uruguay it’s simpler, win or go home.
“We want to stay in Brazil as long as possible. Four years ago we played in the match for third place but now we’re aiming for the Final. That’s our dream and we don’t want to stop dreaming yet. If you dream and believe then that can push you to do great things. We believe we can make it.” proclaimed Uruguay’s Alvaro Gonzalez to the media Monday.
For Italy, they will be looking to amend a stunning first round exit four years ago in South Africa. Italy’s best player, Andrea Pirlo was injured for the 2010 World Cup and has already announced this will be his last tournament for his country before retiring. Yet he’s not thinking sandy beaches and piña coladas quite yet, “"My only focus now is on winning this game and keeping us in the competition," Pirlo said.”I haven't even begun to think about the future." By the end of Tuesday’s match both Pirlo and his countries future will be decided.
The game is set to kick off at 12:00 PM EST at the Estadio das Dunas in Natal. It can be seen on ESPN and in Spanish on Univision. If you want to live stream the match, simply go to WatchESPN here and here for a live stream in Spanish.
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