1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
Israel and the crisis in the Middle EastGerman coalition collapseUS election

World Cup Day 8

Jonathan HardingJune 19, 2014

The day after Spain, the defending champions, exited the competition, the battle to secure a place in the knockout stage intensifies as England and Uruguay face judgment day.

https://p.dw.com/p/1CLpB
Interaktiver WM-Check 2014 Keyplayer Uruguay Suarez
Image: Getty Images

England vs. Uruguay

There were plenty of reasons for England to be positive after their opening game defeat to Italy, but sloppy defending remained their downfall and they were left seeking positives rather than highlighting them.

Uruguay were also left empty handed after their first game as they suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica, who now top Group D. Both sides are now in an all-or-nothing situation coming into this game (1900 UTC), knowing a defeat would almost certainly spell an end to their 2014 World Cup. Progression is still possible after defeat though, so long as the Italy and Costa Rica game on Friday evening doesn't end in a draw. But it would leave matters out of their own hands.

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, whose fitness is apparently no longer a concern, looks set to start while captain Diego Lugano (knee strain) and defender Maxi Pereira (suspended) will definitely be out. England's coach Roy Hodgson has already promised his side will go out and attack, and so once again England fans will be hoping the likes of Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge can continue to impress. Perhaps greater than that though, is the hope that Wayne Rooney can finally find his shooting boots at a World Cup.

Colombia vs. Ivory Coast

After victories on the opening day for both sides, this game could be seen as just a battle for top spot (1600 UTC). However, should there be a winner in the Japan vs. Greece game later on, then the fight for the second spot in Group C could well come down to the final set of matches.

WM 2014 Gruppe C 1. Spieltag Kolumbien Griechenland
James Rodriguez impressed for Colombia in their opening game, and will be hoping to guide them to victory against Ivory CoastImage: Getty Images

Even without star striker Radamel Falcao, Colombia tore apart Greece in their opening match to send a formidable message to the rest of their group-stage opponents. The slick combination of their attacking play - with James Rodriguez particularly impressive - in the face of a stubborn Greece defense will have kept Ivory Coast busy in training this week. Didier Drogba will be pushing for a start after his influential substitute appearance in the 2-1 win against Japan, but coach Sabri Lamouch will most likely opt for Swansea striker Wilfred Bony. Hannover 96's Didier Ya Konan will miss out.

The winners can secure themselves a coveted knockout stage spot, with a match-up against the runner up in England's group beckoning.

Japan vs. Greece

Having started so brightly against Ivory Coast, Keisuke Honda and Co. will be disappointed to have ended up on the losing side. Defensive mistakes and a lapse in concentration allowed their African opponents to pounce and Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni will know that his side cannot afford to do the same against Greece.

Fußball Sokratis Papastathopoulos
Greece will have to do more than pray if they are to make the next roundImage: picture-alliance/dpa

Despite suffering a 3-0 defeat to Colombia, Greece had their moments. Former Bundesliga striker Theofanis Gekas hit the bar with a header when it seemed easier to score and Panagiotis Kone was denied by some smart goalkeeping. If they can keep things tight at the back - Dortmund man Sokratis and Olympiakos defender Kostas Manolas performed admirably in defeat against Colombia - then this game (2200 UTC) may well be closer than expected.