England and Italy: What to expect

14 มิถุนายน 2557

I've already posted a chapter from my book on the pre-match story. Here are excerpts from an actual pre-match story on tonight's battle between England and Italy.

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England and Italy: What to expect

I've already posted a chapter from my book on the pre-match story which gives you an overview of what these stories talk about (http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/414790/world-cup-english-the-pre-match-story). Here are excerpts from an actual pre-match story on tonight's battle between England and Italy.

Italy's national football team players take part in a training session at the Arena Amazonia Stadium on June 13, 2014, on the eve of their 2014 FIFA World Cup Group D match against England. AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE

England, Italy braced for rumble in jungle

The sauna of Manaus's Amazonia Arena will provide the backdrop for a battle of cautious counter-punching on Saturday when powerhouses England and Italy face off in their World Cup opener.

The Amazon rainforest humidity, coupled with the mutual respect between the teams, is likely to produce a cagey encounter, where time on the ball will be cherished and pressing rationed out carefully.

The weather in the rainforest area of Brazil is hot and humid at this time of year and England's forward Wayne Rooney (R) and his teammates make sure they take in plenty of liquids during their training session on the pitch of the Amazonia Arena in Manaus. AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE

Possession will be crucial amid the stifling conditions, but despite Italy boasting central midfielders of the calibre of Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi and Marco Verratti, Hodgson believes his team can compete in that domain.

Italy coach Prandelli has identified the midfield battleground as the area where the game will be won and lost and also expressed admiration for the youthful exuberance of Hodgson's new-look England.

"I don't want to talk about the opposition too much, but they have personality and psychological strength, they're good at running, are a fast team, and recently I've seen players with great technical skills and a lot of creativity," he told Friday's pre-game press conference.

"The attackers in particular are able to exploit space, so we are going to have to be very careful in our marking. Controlling the midfield will be the key." AFP

For everything you need to know to prepare yourself to follow the action in Brazil, use my book "World Cup English".http://bit.ly/RlaA3Y