Not many people could have foreseen that World Cup holders and two time Euro winners Spain would be crashing out after only two matches. The Spanish media have already began their inquests into the error-strew and dismal display from the players, many of whom were the cornerstone to the victories in 2010 and 2010.
Having kicked off the tournament with a battering from the Dutch, a victory against Chile was paramount, but this was not the case. Instead, they slumped to another poor performance in which lack of movement and no plan 'B' culminated in a 2-0 loss. The problem arose through too many mistakes in key positions for Spain. Normally reliable, Xabi Alonso, was at fault for the first goal, where a bad pass allowed Alexis Sanchez to capitalise on the lapse of concentration from the former Liverpool man in order to square the ball for Eduardo Vargas. His Real Madrid team mate, Iker Casillas also had a night to forget when he flapped at a Sanchez free kick and the ball went straight into the path of Charles Aranguiz, who buried it with a toe poke into the back of the net.
Diego Costa also failed to perform in his short tournament amid the jeers of the on-looking Brazilian crowd. Having failed to find the net as of yet, Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich will be hoping that this is not a sign of things to come at Chelsea next year. It may be put down to the injury that he received in the latter stages of the Liga BBVA that also hampered his Champions League Final when he limped off after only eight minutes. He didn't look match sharp against the Netherlands or Chile but the match against Australia could see him click, but it will be too little too late for the adopted Spaniard.
The failures of this tournament may not spell the end for Tiki-Taka, but the end for ferocious Xavi-Iniesta partnership as well as captain, Iker Casillas and numerous other star components of the winners from 2008, 2010 and 2012.With Xavi aged 34, it is nearly 100% certain that he will not feature at another international tournament in a Spanish jersey. Del Bosque benched him for the first time in a major tournament, a testament to the changes that were required following the drubbing by the Netherlands. Iniesta wasn't nearly as effective as he was in South Africa, neither was Torres or Xabi Alonso. As a football fan, it is sad to see the contingent that won multiple trophies leave he international scene on such a disappointing note, particularly as Del Bosque, or the next manager will be persuaded to build another world beating side with the youthful talent of Koke, Thiago and co. Out with the old and in with the new seems to be the general consensus in Spain at the moment.
With Spain's days in the World Cup numbered, England will be hoping to not follow in the footsteps of the holders as they take on Uruguay in just under 20 minutes. A loss for Roy's boys would spell disaster as they would go into the last game with minimal to play for. I predicted that England would be able to qualify behind Italy for the knockout rounds, and the match between Uruguay and Costa Rica would fill England with belief.
Defensively, Uruguay are incredibly weak. Their full backs are not great defenders and are also relatively slow. As said previously, pace on the wings is essential. Sterling and Welbeck will wreak havoc down the wings, and expect goals from the wide areas. With Wayne Rooney placed in his preferred central role behind the Sturridge it will make him very to be marked which will allow Sturridge space to shoot. As so adequatley demonstrated by Maxi Pereira, the Uruguayans can be easily wound up and frustrated. This leaves an important role for Steven Gerrard who has to dictate the flow of the game from his deeper position, similar to what Andrea Pirlo did against England on Saturday night.
England will need to offer a better defensive performance than the game against Italy. While ITV may claim that Luis Suarez may not be 'match fit' he still needs to be stopped. A man of his calibre can cause damage regardless if he is fully fit or not. As we have seen for Liverpool over the last season he is ruthless and can punish England if underestimated. His strike partner, Edison Cavani, also needs to be stopped. With Gerrard and Henderson protecting the front four, it should help nullify the effect of Suarez, it will allow Cahill and Jagielka to mark Cavani. For the whole 90 minutes, they need to track his runs of the shoulders of the defenders as he is an excellent goal scorer and poacher.
We have already had one shock this week with the Spanish having only one more game in Brazil. England, on the other hand, must win if they have any dreams of qualifying for the next round, and it's one that they certainly can win. Shrewd midfield play from Liverpool pair, Henderson and Gerrard, could leave the Uruguayans with little attacking outlet, therefore giving the front four the initiative to grab the goals that can leak from this defence.
3-1 England.