If Italy beat Costa Rica tonight then the final round of games for Group D sees the following amazing situation:
England need to score one, but not two goals (not too early anyway). If they score twice too early - and are thus seen to be hitting 3 points exactly, while simultaneously denying Costa Rica any points they make a draw in the Uruguay/Italy game a desired result for both Italy and Uruguay (and thus much more likely).
If however, there's a perceived chance (by Uruguay) that Costa Rica can get a point then Uruguay need to keep going for the win and as England need Italy to win that game even though Italy only need a draw they become more likely to win it in the event that Uruguay have to win.
Therefore, England need to win but will almost certainly guarantee their own demise by winning too well (or early in the game). 2-0 at HT is not what they want.
Oh yeah and while I'm here, backing England to Q at 8/1 is officiany a total waste of money FACT.
Here is another scenario :- England to keep it at 0-0 and see how the other game is going. If it seems that both Italy and Uruguay are playing for the draw then let Costa Rica score in the last 5 minutes and let one of the other ***** go out.
Here is another scenario :-England to keep it at 0-0 and see how the other game is going. If it seems that both Italy and Uruguay are playing for the draw then let Costa Rica score in the last 5 minutes and let one of the other ***** go out.
the paradox is that England have lost both games, are devoid of any top top players, have a shambolic defence, haven't beaten a top side in the knock stages for decades and may be eliminated from the tournament within the next couple of hours and yet are still 130 to 1 to win the entire competition.
the paradox is that England have lost both games, are devoid of any top top players, have a shambolic defence, haven't beaten a top side in the knock stages for decades and may be eliminated from the tournament within the next couple of hours and yet