Space Coast Daily Coverage of 2014 World Cup Day 8
By Space Coast Daily // June 19, 2014
TEAMS FACE THREAT OF ELIMINATION
ABOVE VIDEO: Luis Suarez scores his first of two goals vs. England on a header.
GAME 1: COLOMBIA VS. IVORY COAST – 12 PM
Columbia players to watch include midfielder Fredy Guarin, who was unable to play in the opening game. Fans hope Guarin can step up his game to compensate for the loss of injured forward Carlos Bacca. Colombia defeated Greece, 3-0 in its opening game. Ivory Coast was also victorious in its first game with a win over Japan. Ivory Coast’s two previous World Cup games against South American sides both ended in defeats (1-2 v Argentina in 2006 and 1-3 v Brazil in 2010). Players to watch for Ivory Coast include Didier Drogba, Wilfried Bony and Kolo Toure.
GAME 2: ENGLAND VS. URUGUAY – 3:30 PM
England enters its game vs. Uruguay in a must-win situation. Following a 2-1 loss to Italy in its opening game, England needs a win vs. Uruguay to have any chance at advancing to the next round. Superstar Wayne Rooneys’ disappointing performance has many fans wondering if Rooney will be reassigned to the cener of the field against Uruguay.
On a positive note for England, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to play after he recovered from his knee injury.
Following its 3-1 loss to Costa Rica, Uruguay is also in need of a win if it hopes to make the knockout round.One of their key players, Maxi Pereira is out due to a suspension. Backup players will play a key role for Uruguay.
GAME 3: Japan vs. Greece – 6 PM
This is Japan and Greece’s first World Cup encounter., and bot teams in need of a rebound from disappointing opening games. Japan fell to Ivory Coast, 2-1 in its opener and Greece lost to Colombia, 3-0. If Greece is to prevail, Georgias Samaras will need to break his World Cup scoring slump. Samaras has attempted more shots without scoring at the World Cup than any other Greek player (9, including blocked shots). Japan will turn to Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa for offensive production.
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