World Cup 2014: Match Day 3

What a day of football it was yesterday! The champions were absolutely slammed by the Dutch, 5-1 behind braces from Van Persie and Robben. Spain's tici-taca style could not produce goals and left them vulnerable to the quick counterattack, while Iker Casillas had his most forgettable performance yet.

Chile and Mexico won their games, despite some more controversial referee decisions. Mexico had two valid goals taken back by incorrectly called offside decisions. Giovanni Dos Santos put forth a beautiful, hard working performance for El Tri to help win three points while it was Alexis Sanchez that played some inspired football to lead Chile past Australia.

Today, there are four matches taking place throughout beautiful Brazil. First, Columbia take on Greece, followed by Uruguay against Costa Rica. In the afternoon, the marquee match takes place pitting England against Italy. Japan and Ivory Coast wrap up Match Day three in Recife.

Both South American teams are favored today, with Uruguay leaving Luis Suarez on the bench to save him for games against England and Italy. Japan and Ivory Coast will be an interesting watch as both teams are known for fast paced, gritty football. All eyes will look to see if Balotelli and Pirlo can lead the Azzurri past England, as the two European powerhouses battle for position in Group D. This will be Pirlo's last hurrah as he has announced his retirement from international soccer following this World Cup campaign. Look for England to impress with fast football and their spirited youth, despite the extreme humidity in Manaus.

Today's Games:
Columbia vs. Greece, 9:00 am Belo Horizonte
Uruguay vs. Costa Rica, 12:00 pm Fortaleza
England vs. Italy, 2:30 pm Manaus
Japan vs. Ivory Coast, 5:00 pm Recife

My Picks:
Columbia
Uruguay
Italy
Japan


My Record of Picks So Far: 
3 out of 4 - 75%