Suarez double crushes Englands hopes of a knockout qualification

Uruguay               2 - 1         England

Suarez (39’, 85’)                  Rooney (75’)

The Group of Death fixture between England and Uruguay was a do or die situation for both teams. A draw could however, virtually keep the hopes alive for both, with their hopes depending on the game between Italy and Costa Rica. Roy Hodgson decided to go without any changes shaping up a 4-2-3-1 formation. Wayne Rooney rightfully started at the center of the attack rather than on the left wing. On the other hand, Uruguay made five changes from the previous game. Oscar Tabarez lined up a 4-3-3 formation with Luis Suarez getting his first start of the World Cup, after recovering from an injury.

First Half: 1-0

With both teams pumped up, it was a high tempo start to the game. For England, Wayne Rooney and Raheem Sterling seemed to be linking up well. Wayne Rooney narrowly missed the goal off a well taken free kick while at the other end a pounding long ranger from Cristian Rodriguez went about half a yard over the bar as Joe Hart was beaten. In what started to develop as a midfield battle, the Uruguayan’s seemed to mark Raheem Sterling to try and avoid him from making pacy runs. Wayne Rooney hit the bar in the 31’ in what was the first closest shot on target. However, it was the EPL Golden Boot winner, Luis Suarez who put the Uruguayan’s in the lead via an exquisitely placed header. From then on the tempo only kept rising as Daniel Sturridge took a good shot from the side of the penalty box, forcing a save off Fernando Muslera. Uruguay were the better side at half time with England looking unconvincing in the final third.

Second Half:1-1

Uruguay started off from where they left as England were looking shaky at the back with their set piece defending. Uruguay seemed to be attacking with a vengeance as Cavani missed a golden opportunity to double the lead, shooting off target. With all the dominating possession by Uruguay, Wayne Rooney managed to take a shot that forced a good save by Muslera. With the patience of the Barmy Army running out, Roy Hodgson bought on Ross Barkley for Raheem Sterling who looked seemingly ineffective. The Uruguayan’s were positioning themselves really well to close down any possible space for the English attack as Adam Lallana was bought in to provide more pace and width. With just 15 minutes left for the game England’s persistence was rewarded when Glen Jonson made a good pass in the right area for Rooney to tap in the equalizer.
From then on it was game on, as there seemed to be a new found energy amongst the English players. However, the English defense didn’t seem to learn from their mistakes as Luis Suarez thumped in the winner past Joe Hart to crush the hopes of the English team and its fans.

And not the stunner !

England have only themselves to blame after showcasing a sloppy defense and are now virtually facing an elimination. A Costa Rican win would officially end their World Cup campaign. Uruguay, on the other hand are back in business and could see themselves top the group if they beat Italy in their final fixture of the Group stage.