The FIFA World Cup Kickaround Thread For 6/19/14: Before Japan-Greece (Multiple Versions)

Kagawa getting dropped is the big decision from Zaccheroni, while Salpingidis being replaced by Fetfatzidis was a major change for Santos here, as well as bringing back in Mitroglou. 

Kone and Fetfatzidis provide enough quality to create something for Greece without relying on Torosidis from right back. And that is why Nagatomo is vital again here to make sure that channel is taken away from Greece. 

That's the tactical prematch thoughts for today. See you tomorrow for more of the Kickaround prematch thread.     

Tactical Thoughts for Uruguay and England 

The whole Suarez dynamic and how Henderson will have to help Cahill and Jagielka contain Suarez and Cavani, the real key of this match will be how young Gimenez has communication with Godin on dealing with Rooney and how overlapping Welbeck and Sterling will be on for Sturridge. Gimenez is a fine talent, but Oscar Tabarez couldn't throw him in a more pressure cooker situation. 

Gimenez's inclusion into the starting lineup prevented another Liverpool player, Sebastian Coates, from being in the first eleven and speaks to how much Coates has regressed.  

It's all out stops from Tabarez with Lodeiro also included, and he needs to show up and have a big game today so his reputation also won't continue to fall. 

Tactical Thoughts: Colombia 0, Ivory Coast 0 

Photo from FIFA.com

A real good first half that featured both teams defending these dangerous offenses well when they were placed under firm examination. 

Towards the end of the half, Check Tiote made his presence alone and will be vital in not allowing deadly Colombian counterattack when Ivory Coast is deep in their opponents' half. They witnessed several times throughout that half that if they don't stop Cuadrado from getting the ball outwide to James Rodriguez, or Sanchez/Aguilar get the outlet pass to the front 3, that they will be in serious trouble. Teo Gutierrez's premature celebration miss was shown there of how they have to be wary. 

Both Victor Ibarbo and Max Gradel did not have great halves, as Gradel struggled to produced offensive quality and allowed Serge Aurier to go forward while Ibarbo was just invisible throughout. It's a reason why Peckerman's side featured Cuadrado so much, with the Fiorentina man showing again why he is a rising global force. 

With Cuadrado being a slightly bit more of a mobile force than Gervinho, it allowed Sanchez and Aguilar to move up a bit more for most of that half. But the Roma's man growing influence in the contest added to Die and Tiote moving up behind Toure. 

Pre-Match for Colombia and Ivory Coast 

Photo from FIFA.com

Tactical Thoughts For Colombia vs Ivory Coast: 

Once again, the outside play will be so vital for both teams, as Lamouchi has made a wise change by dropping Kalou for Grandel for a true outside man.

The flank battle between Cuadrado/Zuinga vs Boka/Gervinho and Ibarbo/Armero vs Aurier/Gradel will be the key of the game. Both teams love to have their fullbacks venture forward and will look to control the game from that vantage point.

Vitally as important is who is able to force their powerful will on the other, as Tiote will have to monitor Rodriguez with the assistance of Die, while both Aguilar and Sanchez must find a way to double team Yaya Toure and not allow his energetic runs into the box at Zapata and Yepes.

Zokora and Bamba didn't have to worry too much against an impotent display from Osako on Saturday, but will have to be aware of Teo Gutierrez's clever runs.

A great encounter is in store in Group C, as the halftime and post game thread will detail what happened in the end.