World Cup: Day 9 preview

On paper, the early game (1600 UTC) looks like a simple victory for a superior Italian side over Costa Rica, but, considering the tournament so far and the importance of this particular result, this match could be close.

An Italian win doesn't guarantee their progression to the knockout round - a defeat to Uruguay in the final game and a win for Costa Rica against England would leave three sides on six points - but it would keep England's hopes alive. The entertaining Italian striker Mario Balotelli has said that if Italy do win, he expects a kiss on the cheek from England's Queen as thanks. A win for Costa Rica would put them through and end England's hopes, as would a draw.

Italy might not have played their best football against England, but they were smart and composed. More of the same will be needed if they are to claim victory against a Costa Rica side brimming with confidence after their 3-1 opening game defeat of Uruguay.

Costa Rica's Joel Campbell, a striker for Arsenal during the Premier League season, is quickly becoming one of the bright lights of the tournament despite having only played one game. Campbell proved a real nuisance for the Uruguayan defense, picked up a goal and, alongside captain Bryan Ruiz, is the player Italy will be most wary of. But Italian coach Cesare Prandelli has individual talent of his own. The 35-year-old Andrea Pirlo rolled back the years in an impressive display against England, while Balotelli continues to perform well on football's biggest stage.

Verdict: Italy should win it, but not by much - 2-1, perhaps 3-1 if Costa Rica tire early.

France vs. Switzerland

Two sides that qualified for the 2014 World Cup with little expectation have quietly been going about their business since the tournament's start, and successfully, too. France, without the disruption of the squad disputes that sent the team home early from Johannesburg in 2010, saw off the bruising Honduras by three clear goals in their opening game and can be confident of progression from the group.

Whether they will do so as the top side is largely down to the form of their opponents. With a host of Bundesliga talent and under the watchful eye of former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland squeezed past Ecuador in their opening game in Brazil thanks to an injury-time winner from substitute Haris Seferovic. The Swiss have insisted that they are not favorites, and so the pressure falls on France to deliver. With Paul Pogba and Yohan Cobaye (both are one yellow card away from suspension) in midfield and Karim Benzema in attack, the French look prepared to deliver (1900 UTC).

Verdict: France, but not without the help of a strong defensive display. 2-1.

Honduras vs. Ecuador

The day's battle of the bruisers (2200 UTC) could be decided by the team with the most players left on the field come the latter stages of the game. Honduras did their best to disrupt France with their physicality last week, but couldn't stop their opponents' technical superiority from shining through. Ecuador were left heartbroken after suffering a last-minute defeat to Switzerland, but will be the favorites heading into this one.

Though France and Switzerland appear the favorites to progress, should either Honduras or Ecuador secure three points on Friday, that would apply pressure on a potential loser in the earlier Group E match. However, a draw between France and Switzerland would end any hopes of progression for the potential loser of the Honduras-Ecuador game.

The lure of a second spot aside, the rivalry between the two sides is fierce and so pride is very much at stake. Honduras will be without Wilson Palacios after his red card against France, putting Ecuador in an even stronger position.

Verdict: 3-1 Ecuador.