Outcomes too close to call in early encounters

URUGUAY

The Copa America holders struggled to qualify, needing a play-off against Jordan to book their place after narrowly missing out on the top four of the South American qualifying section. With players like Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, though, they have more than enough ability to cause problems. Won the World Cup the last time it was held in Brazil, back in 1950.

COSTA RICA

Seized upon Mexico’s struggles to follow the US as the pacesetters in the Concacaf section, but going further than the group stage will be a lot to ask.

Many argue Group D is the toughest in the competition. Costa Rica are the clear underdogs, with their opponents winning seven World Cups between them.

ENGLAND

England are still looking for the magic formula that will get them past the quarterfinal hurdle for only the second time since they lifted the trophy on home soil in 1966.

Despite concerns raised about the quality of the current squad, they topped their group without losing a game and were among the top four highest scorers in the European qualifying zone.

ITALY

Cesare Prandelli’s team performed well in reaching the Euro 2012 final and would like to equal Brazil’s record of five World Cup successes on Brazilian soil.

With Prandelli’s encouragement a new generation is emerging and that’s just as well. Gigi Buffon, the captain, is 36. That is one of the reasons why they will take 17-year-old Udinese phenomenon Simone Scuffet to the tournament as a third-choice goalkeeper.