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World Cup 2014 Brazil - Day 8 preview

Colombia take on The Ivory Coast, England face Uruguay in a most win for the English and Japan enter the tournament to face Greece.

Richard Heathcote

Group C - Colombia vs Ivory Coast

Where - Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasilia

When - Thursday 19th June, 12pm EST / 5pm BST

TV Info

Colombia come into this one knowing they are underdogs. The Colombians had a pretty sketchy qualification to the finals this time around but will be hoping to show a settled team against Ivory Coast today. The Ivory Coast themselves on the other hand fail to grab peoples attention as potentially a dangerous team. They can't be overlooked when they have a midfield and forward line that includes Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba, not to mention Gervinho. This shouldn't be a tough hurdle for the African nation.

Everton interests: Everton transfer target Ya Konan is out of this one with Injury, but the Ivorian will be fit for the next game.

Team News:

Colombia: (Possible 4-5-1 formation) Ospina, Zapata, Yepes, Sanchez, Armero, Zuniga, Aguilar, Rodriguez, Cuadrado, Ibarbo, Guitierrez.

Ivory Coast: (Possible 4-3-3 formation) Barry, Boka, Aurier, Serey, Bamba, Zakora, Tiote, Y.Toure, Gervinho, Kalou, Drogba.

Match facts: In their last 8 World Cup games, Ivory Coast have scored 2 or more goals. This is English referee Howard Webb's first World Cup game this tournament. However, the Premiership leading ref is tipped to be the ref for the final.

Group D - England vs Uruguay

Where - Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo

When - Thursday 19th June, 3pm EST / 8pm BST

TV Info

The Three Lions of England take on Uruguay in what will be a must-win game for both sides. Anything other than a win would hand the initiative to Italy and Costa Rica who were winners in their first game. England played some good football at times against Italy but in the final third things just didn't click. Rooney seemed to have a free role in attack, which left defenders and midfielders vulnerable. Its time for them to step up as they face a shaky Uruguay team. Uruguay's defence left a lot to be desired in their opener against Costa Rica as they suffered a shock 3-1 defeat. Suarez looks set to make a return to the starting XI, however if England watch Costa Rica, they would have learned to man mark Suarez out of the game.

Everton interests: Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines are expected to make the starting XI, with Ross Barkley on from the bench.

Team News:

England: (Possible 4-2-3-1 formation) Hart, Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, Gerrard, Wilshere, Welbeck, Rooney, Sterling, Sturridge.

Gerrard and Sturridge will make the game although both have minor knocks.

Uruguay: (Possible 4-2-3-1 formation) Muslera, Caceres, Lugano, Godin, Periera, Gargano, Arevalo, Rodriguez, Forlan, Suarez, Cavani.

Suarez is likely to just miss out on the starting XI depending on a fitness test he will undergo.

Match fact: Uruguay have the upper hand when these two sides meet. With 4 wins, 3 draws and 3 loses. The Uruguayans also hold the record for most goals scored in this meeting. Uruguay with 13 goals and England with 10 goals

Group C - Japan vs Greece

Where - Estadio Das Dunas, Natal

When - Thursday 19th June, 6pm EST / 11pm BST


The bottom two teams in Group C meet this evening in Natal, in yet another must-win game for both. The loser will exit the tournament. The last time these teams met was nine years ago in the Confederations Cup, when Japan ran out 1-0 winners. The Japanese are the more technically gifted of the two so will be keen to ensure their first three points of the tournament.

Team news:

Japan: (possible 4-2-3-1 formation) Kawashima, Uchida, Yoshida, Morishige, Nagatomo, Hesebe, Yamaquchi, Okazaki, Honda, Kagawa, Osako.

Greece: (possible 4-5-1 formation) Karnezis, Maniatis, Manolas, Samaras, Kone, Salpingidis, Torosidis, Gekas, Sokratis, Cholevas, Mitroglou.

Fulham's ageing midfielder Karagounis misses out on a start, but is expected to make the bench.