In the opening matches of Group C and D, a worried Colombia without their star striker breeze through their opening match while Word Cup winners, and ranked number 7 in the world, Uruguay are stunned by 28 ranked Costa Rica. In the battle of the allies, Italy’s “Super Mario” downs England and Ivory Coast’s quick successive goals top Japan.
Group C: Colombia v Greece, 3-0
Though Colombia’s World Cup was in question due to star Radamel Falcao not making the trip, scoring within the first 5 minutes of their opening match with Greece, worries started to fade away. The nightmarish start for Greece only preceded to worsen in the second half with goals at the 58th and 64th minute, sealing their fate. Columbia also had the advantage statistically as well, as UK Eurosport notes Greece have lost six of their last seven World Cup matches.
Group D: Uruguay v Cost Rica, 1-3
The game that will go down as the biggest upset of the World Cup is Costa Rica getting the better of Uruguay, a major contender in Group D, which also includes Italy and England. Costa Rica had not won a game in the World Cup tournament since 2002 over China in their opening group match. As the New York Times stated, although Costa Rica were down by one goal, they showed no signs of being overwhelmed, coming back to win in the second half with goals in the 54th, 57th, and 84th minute.
Group D: England v Italy, 1-2
Featuring stars from the top clubs throughout Europe, none shown brighter than Italy’s bad-boy Mario Balotelli. Claudio Marchisio’s goal in the 35th minute was quickly answered by English star Daniel Sturridge within two minutes. The newly engaged “Super Mario” lived up to expectations giving the Italy the win in the second half with a stunning header in the six yard box. England’s lack to get anything going again could spell trouble if they don’t pick it up for the rest of the tournament.
Group C: Côte d'Ivoire v Japan, 2-1
Côte d'Ivoire, or Ivory Coast, looked fairly slow and sluggish throughout the first half with Japan’s Keisuke Honda putting them up 1-0 at the 16th minute. As Fox News suggested, Chelsea star Didier Drogba, came off the bench for Ivory Coast at the 62nd minute. With the experience of two World Cups, Drogba’s inspiration was felt immediately as two goals were scored in the 64th and 66th minute, by Wilfried Bony and Gervinho, respectively.
June 15, all four teams from Group E and two from Group F, with Switzerland v Equador, France v Honduras, and Argentina v Bosnia-Herzegovina.