Italy vs Costa Rica LIVE STREAM: World Cup 2014: England's Fate Hangs in the Balance, Why They'll Be Rooting for the Italians
ByThe game every last English soccer fan will watch with bated breath is here as Italy takes on Costa Rica Friday afternoon.
England has stumbled out of the gate in the World Cup, losing first 2-1 to Italy then 2-1 to Uruguay. If the British want to advance past the group stage, they need the Italians to beat the Costa Ricans.
CLICK HERE to watch the match live online via WatchESPN. The game will start at 12 p.m. ET, but coverage begins at 11:30.
Luckily for England, Italy is need of a win if they want to stand alone at the top of their group and clinch a spot in the round of 16. Costa Rica could do the same if they were to win.
According to FIFA.com, the Arena Pernambuco, a stadium built in 2014 and that seats 42,610 people, in the city of Recife will host Friday's match.
The far eastern city should have fair weather, with clear skies expected all day and temperatures to reach the mid-80s, according to Weather.com.
Costa Rica looked strong in its win over Uruguay, only allowing one goal on a penalty kick and stifling Luis Suarez, the man who scored twice on England. The Costa Ricans spread three goals between three different scorers.
Italy was England's first loss in the World Cup and won after Mario Balotelli broke a 1-1 tie in the 50th minute. Costa Rica will need to replicate the strong defensive showing it had last week to beat a seasoned Italian team.
Of the 18 World Cup tournaments Italy has played in since their first appearance in 1934, they have won four times, and as recently as 2006. Costa Rica has as many World Cup appearances as Italy does titles.
Every four years, certain teams rise and some fall. Spain has already found itself eliminated from the round of 16 and, if Costa Rica can win, England and Italy could soon face the same fate.