World Cup live blog: June 14

(AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert,File)

Les Elephants have played a tough slate of friendlies, including matches against Bosnia, Mexico, Belgium, Russia and Italy in the last few years.

And further, these friendlies have been another step more difficult than the opponent list makes it seem. Cote d’Ivoire have not had another national team visit them for a friendly since Israel made the trip in 2011. All of those matches have been played either at neutral sites or more commonly in front of a hostile crowd. Once you account for home field advantage, Cote d’Ivoire’s profile takes another big step forward.

Andrea Pirlo is the 12th player to complete over 100 passes in a WC game since 1966. Here’s a look at all of them. pic.twitter.com/7evXafoWAt

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 15, 2014

Italy defender Matteo Darmian. (Ettore Ferrari/EPA)

Despite having more fouls and offside calls, Italy managed to pull off a victory, two goals to England’s one. Here’s how the stats break it down.

Goals

England: 1, Daniel Sturridge at ’37

Italy: 2, Claudio Marchisio at 35′ and Mario Balotelli at 50′

Total shots

England: 18

Italy: 12

Shots on goal

England: 8

Italy: 5

Fouls

England: 8

Italy: 12

Possession percentage

England: 49 percent

Italy: 51 percent

Corners

England: 9

Italy: 2

Saves

England: 3

Italy: 7

Offsides

England: 0

Italy: 7

Red cards

England: 0

Italy: 0

Yellow cards

England: 1, Raheem Sterling in injury time

Italy: 0

Italy is now tied with Costa Rica with three points each in their group.

England is very lucky.

Things are not going well for England in Manaus, where the humidity remains 74 percent.

Italy has attempted eight crosses tonight. Just one met by a teammate – Antonio Candreva’s assist on Mario Balotelli’s goal.

After Wayne Rooney’s wild kick into the stands, the England team seems to have embarked on a “comedy of errors,” as the ESPN commentators said. After getting a free kick, too, Steven Gerrard couldn’t clinch an equalizer at minute 84.

England is looking tired as numerous easy touches have led to turnovers. #ENGvsITA

— Mauricio Chavez (@MauricioAChavez) June 14, 2014

So many wasted opportunities, this is so frustrating, I just aoihiovenrlqbofdjbcqe. #ENGvsITA

— Bryony Cresswell (@bryonbee) June 14, 2014

Italy is playing ten times better than England. England playing tired #ENGvsITA

— Hamza Ghani (@HamzaGhaniSD) June 14, 2014

Rooney unbelievably booted the corner kick into the stands. And then everyone immediately waited for the Vine.

Quickly somebody make a Rooney corner Vine

— SuperFriendly (@SuperFriendly) June 14, 2014

I want a vine of that Rooney corner up within the minute

— Thats a Jazz Haircut (@shitebag_) June 14, 2014

Someone vine that Rooney corner. £300k a week. #Brazil2014

— Sam (@samuelJayC) June 14, 2014

The Internet obeyed.

England’s 22-year-old Jack Wilshere comes in for 23-year-old Jordan Henderson and 24-year-old Ciro Immobile (pronounced im-mobile-lay) is in for 23-year-old Mario Balotelli, who scored at minute 50.

Marchisio and chiellini helping sturridge with cramps. Great sportsmanship

— Luca La Bella (@Luca_L_B) June 14, 2014

If only Tony Parker would’ve given LeBron James a hand…

English fans are hoping the 20-year-old Barkley can work some magic.

Ross Barkley on for Lord Welbeck….Save Us Young Lad!!! #ENG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/zFh4TJwep1

— FTBpro (@FTBpro) June 14, 2014

The English star’s shot went just wide of the goal.

Italy’s Mario Balotelli, left, celebrates his goal against England with teammate Marco Verratti. (Ivan Alvarado/Reuters)

Twenty-one-year-old Marco Verratti is traded for 31-year-old Thiago Motta at minute 57.

#ENG physio Gary Lewin ’suffers broken ankle’ celebrating goal: http://t.co/7cv0UVPn2r pic.twitter.com/inZMGG64Gc

— Metro Sport (@Metro_Sport) June 14, 2014

England’s Metro reports physical therapist Gary Lewin “collapsed in agony during a huddle of players.” ESPN later updated viewers, noting he sustained a “dislocated ankle.” Others are calling it a “broken ankle.” Either way, it sounds painful. English fans, however, are relieved it wasn’t a player who got hurt, however.

A nation that worried about the metatarsals of Beckham & Rooney in past World Cups now frets about Gary Lewin’s ankle.

— Richard Jolly (@RichJolly) June 14, 2014

No wonder they call him “Super Mario!”

The Italians lead England 2-1 at 50 minutes in.

PASS MAP: Andrea Pirlo has created one chance so far. 96% pass accuracy. Impressive as ever. #ITA pic.twitter.com/nogMaPlP4N

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 14, 2014

Yep, that looks about right…

(Steven Goff /The Washington Post)

Click the link to read Post reporter Steven Goff’s  log of his day of travel from Sao Paulo to Natal to cover the U.S. national team’s game on Monday vs. Ghana. It’s like an epic poem written in free verse.

Italy picked up the pace at the end with a few attacks near the goal, but couldn’t clinch a last-minute goal. If they can start again with that aggressiveness, the second half will prove to be even more exciting than the first.

England physio Gary Lewin is carried off on a stretcher. It appears he injured himself celebrating. #ENGvsITA #WorldCup

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 14, 2014

Irony? But really, we hope he’s OK and makes a quick recovery. And that no one else gets hurt. Especially on the English team. Who will help them?

Seriously, it’s a good day for post-goal celebrations.

The game’s all tied up 1-1. And the game has really begun now.

Seriously, he was wide open.

Claudio Marchisio hit a sizzling shot with no one around him.

Unofficial count in Arenas Amazonia: 50 pct Brazil fans, 25 pct England, 10 Italy, 15 pct other

— Rick Maese (@RickMaese) June 14, 2014

This shouldn’t be surprising considering Manaus is the most remote city in which the World Cup is taking place.

Spotted at the Amazonia Arena: Fanny Neguesha, fiance of Mario Balotelli cheers on #ITA pic.twitter.com/ZAcuj0qWbN

— Standard Sport (@standardsport) June 14, 2014

She looks pretty happy with the Italian stars game so far. Mario Balotelli and Fann Neguesha got engaged just last week.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. It’s just too bad when you don’t succeed that second time either. On the bright side, for England, their fast-paced play at 24 minutes in is putting a lot of pressure on their Italian opponents.

But it didn’t.

Told by reliable sources that Brazilians are rooting hard against Italy. They dont want another country to also have five World Cup trophies

— Rick Maese (@RickMaese) June 14, 2014

Fair enough.

England’s Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson have had to near goals less than six minutes into the match. This young squad is proving it is definitely one to watch.

Sterling’s was particularly convincing as it hit the side of the net. From certain angles it looked like it went in.

Anyone else go mental thinking sterling had scored?? #ENGvsITA

— Ben Youngs (@benyoungs09) June 14, 2014

Anyone else think Sterling scored and go mad? Because I’m feeling slightly embarrassed right now…

— Jack Widnell (@jackwfootball) June 14, 2014

( Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports)

Soccer fans around the world were shocked when U.S. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann left, arguably, the best American player off Team USA’s roster. The silver lining of the story was that Donovan was tapped to help commentate this year, but not before addressing the proverbial elephant in the room. How did he take being left off the team?

“It’s not like I just brushed it off and it was no big deal. It took some grief; it took some sadness,” the star said at the end of ABC’s broadcast today.

The shirts are hanging in the dressing room. Here’s a closeup of the @england badge for today’s match #3Lions pic.twitter.com/bGEqJxcAWN

— England (@england) June 14, 2014

Sweet badge! And good call keeping it simple. As “Office Space” taught us, too much flair isn’t good for mental health.

#ENG LINE-UP: Hart (GK), Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, Gerrard (c), Henderson, Rooney, Sterling, Welbeck, Sturridge. #ENGITA #WorldCup

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2014

#ITA LINE-UP: Sirigu, Chiellini, Darmian, Candreva, Marchisio, Balotelli, Barzagli, De Rossi, Paletta, Pirlo (c), Verratti #ENGITA #worldcup

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2014

All the big names are in. It’ll be interesting to see how this match plays out, especially in light of Costa Rica’s win. The Central American nation proved, indeed, there are four valid contenders in Group D.

Excited to be at my first #WorldCup match: England-Italy in Manaus. 69% humidity. Somehow field looks dry in spots… pic.twitter.com/OgUIGbLn7K

— Rick Maese (@RickMaese) June 14, 2014

It looks hot.

Costa Rica’s players celebrate winning their match against Uruguay. (Georgi Licovski/EPA)

In the first upset of the World Cup, Costa Rica beat out Uruguay, 3-1. It’s the most goals Costa Rica’s ever scored in a World Cup game. Here’s how the game shook out, according to FIFA’s official stats.

Goals

Uruguay: 1, Edinson Cavani on a penalty kick at 24′

Costa Rica: 3, Joel Campbell at 54′, Oscar Duarte at 57′ and Marco Urena at 84′

Total shots

Uruguay: 9

Costa Rica: 12

Shots on goal

Uruguay: 5

Costa Rica: 4

Fouls

Uruguay: 20

Costa Rica: 18

Time of possession

Uruguay: 49 percent

Costa Rica: 51 percent

Corners

Uruguay: 5

Costa Rica: 6

Saves

Uruguay: 1

Costa Rica: 4

Offsides

Uruguay: 6

Costa Rica: 2

Red cards

Uruguay: 1

Costa Rica: 0

Yellow cards

Uruguay: 3

Costa Rica: 0

Less than a minute later, the match ended. Costa Rica won 3-1.

Maximiliano Pereira was the player at fault. The 30-year-old flagrantly kicked Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell. Easy call.

(Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Maybe it’s a symbolic representation of the ball impregnating the net… Or maybe he sucked his thumb like a baby to remind everyone that he’s the youngest player ever — he’s 21 — to score a goal at the World Cup.

Costa Rican fans haven’t stopped cheering this second half.

Marco Urena, who came on at minute 83 as a substitution, scored at minute 84 after a nice pass from Joel Campbell.

Martin Caceres was booked this time. Things are getting desperate for the favorites here in Fortaleza.

Yeltsin Tejeda came out in exchange for Jose Cubero at minute 75. Uruguay followed with its third sub at minute 76. Cristian Rodriguez came out and Abel Hernandez came in. Suarez remains on the bench…

Here’s Joel Campbell’s goal going into, or maybe impregnating, the net. (Dominic Ebenbichler/Reuters)

It’s all starting to make sense…

(Christophe Simon/AFP/Getty Images)

Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, shown playing last year for Juventus, his club team. (Olivier Morin/AFP)

The Post’s Rick Maese reports:

MANAUS, Brazil — On Friday, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon suffered what was called a “very, very light ankle twist.” On Saturday, he was preparing to sit out his team’s World Cup-opening match against England.

The Juventus goalkeeper, the most-capped player in his country’s history, tweaked the ankle in Italy’s final training session Friday in Manaus.

“He is receiving therapy at the moment, but it is nothing serious,” Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli said.

The therapy apparently didn’t do the trick, and Italy was preparing to take the field against England with Paris Saint-Germain’s Salvatore Sirigu in goal. It’s another huge blow to Italy, which is already without fullback Mattia de Sciglio.

Buffon, 36, addressed the matter on Twitter Saturday afternoon:

Buongiorno a tutti… la vita è bellissima e sono ancora in debito con lei…. non sarà una partita saltata o un alt… http://t.co/5axX97NJU0

— Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon) June 14, 2014

“Hello everyone … life is beautiful and I am still in debt to it… neither a game nor a World Cup missed would make me change my mind.

“There are so many ways to be important, even if you are not a starter on the pitch …so …go on Salvatore… come on my magical guys … FORZA ITALY, my great love!”

Walter Gargano and Edinson Cavani Diego Forlan who earlier scored both came out. Nicolas Lodeiro and Alvaro Gonzalez came in. Costa Rica’s starting lineup is still all in.

Hands up if you want to be subbed on. #URU pic.twitter.com/ivvb5jHGd6

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 14, 2014

What a header!

Oscar Duarte got it done at the 57-minute mark.

This World Cup is proving to be historic when it comes to goal celebrations.

And it was pretty amazing. More amazing, however, was his post-goal celebration, for which he put the ball under his shirt and pretended he was pregnant… sure.

This is the first yellow card of the match. Underdogs Costa Rica blew their opportunity, however, to equalize.

“The surgeon will become a national hero,” said a broadcast commentator, as the cameras showed Uruguay’s biggest star Luis Suarez, who had knee surgery just three weeks ago. Suarez was shown moving around.

Joel Campbell half in numbers: 2 take-ons completed, 84% pass completion rate, 1 shot, 100% tackles won. #CRC #AFC pic.twitter.com/jMPxXkYpQM

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 14, 2014

It’ll be interesting to see what he can do once he re-hydrates during halftime.

This makes up for the sad-trombone-worthy moment that happened when Costa Rica missed so badly before.

D’oh!

Even the announcers were surprised he kept the ball out of the net!

(Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

If only he had a foot rest…

#URUvCRC (@ Arena Castelão w/ @laimm) http://t.co/cQpmz4kIwZ pic.twitter.com/MW5nhRVLsY

— Zack Beatty (@zbeat) June 14, 2014

Turnout looks OK, but there are reports from journalists at the game who say there are plenty — possibly thousands — of seats left over. The Daily Mail writes:

“Disappointingly, there does seem to be quite a few empty seats around the ground but then this is a meeting of two of the smallest nations in the competition in terms of population.”

According to FIFA’s official game stats, Uruguay’s possessed the ball 52 percent of the time compared to Uruguay’s 48 percent. Unfortunately for the team that has never beaten Uruguay, more possession time hasn’t translated into any goals. Meanwhile, Uruguay is up one.

It’s pretty gorgeous.

Edinson “El Matador” Cavani puts Uruguay up 1-0 over Costa Rica after getting bear-hugged and getting the penalty kick.

To be fair, it’s gonna make an awesome GIF when an Uruguay player flexes and rips his shirt. #URUvsCRC

— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) June 14, 2014

Because it is HOT.

Diego Lugano with the #faceofthetournament pic.twitter.com/0SJlR6goD8

— Will Parchman (@WillParchman) June 14, 2014

That’s some serious face he’s giving!

The assistant referee rightly called offsides and the Uruguayans cut their celebration short. The score remains 0-0.

Remember that one time Uruguay won a World Cup game by a handball? Me too. #southafrica2010

— Kelli Krebs (@thereal_kkrebs) June 14, 2014

This time, the foul was inconsequential. Plus, Luis Suarez is on the bench.

The temperature in Manaus could be a factor. While it’s not quite hot enough to require cooling breaks, it’s still pretty hot to be running around. It’s roughly 86 degrees with 58 percent humidity. If the temps soar to 90 degrees, the referee can call for cooling breaks.

Costa Rica have never beaten Uruguay in any of the 8 previous meetings, losing 6 and drawing 2. #CRC #URU pic.twitter.com/g8nbViQcCB

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 14, 2014

With Uruguayan star Luis Suarez out, there’s a chance.

Luis Suarez (Lavandeira Jr./EPA)

That’s because Uruguay came out on top the last time Brazil hosted the World Cup in 1950. However, this time around, Uruguay may have to try extra hard to make that happen, as the team will most likely be missing its star player Luis Suarez against Costa Rica today.

Suarez is one of the highest-paid soccer players in the world, and currently a member of Liverpool’s Premier League squad in England. Three weeks ago, he underwent knee surgery, and while he’s been looking mostly fit in training sessions, Suarez was conspicuously absent from the starting lineup announcement that Uruguay made Friday, which was repeated today when FIFA tweeted out the official lineup.

Tabárez confirmó el equipo para el debut: Muslera, M.Pereira, Lugano, Godín, Cáceres, Gargano, A.Ríos, Stuani, Rodríguez, Forlán y Cavani.

— AUFseleccion (@AUFseleccion) June 13, 2014

#URU LINE-UP: Muslera, Lugano (c), Godin, Gargano, Rodriguez, Forlan, Stuani, Pereira, Arevalo, Cavani, Caceres #worldcup #joinin #URUCRC

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2014

There is a chance Suarez could get subbed in later in the match, but most soccer aficionados have noted they think that is highly unlikely, and will instead start in Uruguay’s lineup when the team takes on England on Thursday.

Teofilo Gutierrez celebrates after scoring. (Eitan Abramovich/AFP/Getty Images)

Colombia pulled out a decisive win despite getting just one more shot on goal and possessing the ball less than Greece. Here are all the stats:

Goals

Colombia: 3 — Pablo Armero at 5′, Teofila Gutierrez at 58′ and James Rodriguez during injury time.

Greece: 0

Total shots

Colombia: 12

Greece: 12

Shots on goal

Colombia: 7

Greece: 6

Fouls

Colombia: 19

Greece: 14

Possession of time with the ball

Colombia: 48 percent

Greece: 52 percent

Corner kicks

Colombia: 4

Greece: 4

Saves

Colombia: 4

Greece: 4

Offsides

Colombia: 1

Greece: 3

Red cards

Colombia: 0

Greece: 0

Yellow cards

Colombia: 1

Greece: 2

(Source: FIFA)

(Frank Augstein/AP)

Colombia is hoping for a bright future in the World Cup — and so far, so good, as the country’s team trounced Greece 3-0 today. However, the South American nation just can’t seem to ditch its old stereotype that Colombia is dusted in cocaine. While the history of the country’s drug cartels is serious, those who gabbed about it on Twitter during the World Cup match were there for the jokes.

Surprised Colombia didn’t mistake that white line for cocaine in the game. Well played though. 3-0! #ColGre #FIFAWC

— Solethu Feni (@solly_feni1) June 14, 2014

Colombia winning a World Cup game only means one thing. Free cocaine.

— b. (@_wangwe) June 14, 2014

*Notice Colombia has so much energy and speed* *Think of clever tweet about cocaine*

— Oliver Closeoff (@alex_p_gardner) June 14, 2014

Highly disappointed that Colombia isn’t sporting all white uniforms. #Cocaine

— G.W. Ledford (@garrickledford) June 14, 2014

These Colombia fans have an amazing amount of energy. #cocaine

— Roman Boo Bird (@ThanksBilly) June 14, 2014

Growing up the only thing I knew was associated with Colombia was Cocaine. Feel free to Blame Hollywood. #Brasil2014 #COL

— Ashanti Immigrant (@NanaSirOsei) June 14, 2014

Some people fought back, however. One even took on comedian Russell Brand.

@rustyrockets @blahzil It’s very lame to make cocaine jokes about Colombia anymore. That’s so 1998! Shame on you.

— María Ortiz (@misia_Maria) June 14, 2014

Others were even more blunt with the rebuttals.

“@leodizzy: Colombia: ″we would like to thank all the cocaine”” most ignorant tweet goes to you 👏

— Karen Garcia (@Karengarcia_95) June 14, 2014

We’ll keep an eye on if Twitter comedians come up with fresh material when Colombia meets the Ivory Coast on Thursday.

The Colombian fans love the 22-year-old talent even more now.

The “Cristiano Ronaldo of Colombia,” 22-year-old James Rodriguez, clinched the win. Colombia beat Greece 3-0.

SHOT MAP: Columbia 10-7 Greece. #Col #Gre pic.twitter.com/ZN1qJaRpgS

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 14, 2014

#CRC LINE-UP: Navas, Gonzalez, Umana, Borges, Duarte, Bolanos, Campbell, Ruiz (c), Díaz, Gamboa, Tejeda #URUCRC #WorldCup #joinin

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2014

Their game against Uruguay begins at 3 p.m. EST.

#URU LINE-UP: Muslera, Lugano (c), Godin, Gargano, Rodriguez, Forlan, Stuani, Pereira, Arevalo, Cavani, Caceres #worldcup #joinin #URUCRC

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2014

They’re set to face Costa Rica at 3 p.m. EST today.

The Post’s Alex Baldinger took the above clip of Teofilo Gutierrez’s goal off a corner kick that made it 2-0. Fortunately, he wasn’t still stuck behind this guy:

Greece’s Panagiotis Kone reacts after missing a chance to score during the group C World Cup soccer match between Colombia and Greece. (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Georgios Karagounis replaced Kone on the field.

After nearly 74 minutes of play, Pablo Armero, the man who scored the first goal for Colombia and showed off his dance skills, gets to rest. He was subbed out for Santiago Arias.

Moments later, the second scorer of the day Teo Gutierrez, was subbed out for Jackson Martinez.

Greece subbed in Ioannis Fetfatzidis for Dimitris Salpingidis and Konstantinos Mitroglou for Theofanis Gekas at the and shortly after Colombia called in Abel Aguilar and sent out Alexander Mejia.

The resulting dance wasn’t quite as extravagant for Colombia’s second goal of the match, but it was still something.

Not a good sign.

The Greek defender with the best name in the World Cup was called for fouling Colombian midfielder Segundo Ibarbo.

#Brasil2014 | @FALCAO y Perea #COL alientan a su selección en Belo Horizonte: http://t.co/UrkQcxbZ9o pic.twitter.com/Ir0VEXLuuJ

— Copa Mundial FIFA (@fifaworldcup_es) June 14, 2014

Falcao tore his cruciate knee ligament in January and, thus, was kept off Colombia’s roster.

(Enrique Marcarian/Reuters)

(Enrique Marcarian/Reuters)

Faryd Mondragon a is 42 years old and is on the official roster for Colombia. However, we’re unlikely to see him play very much. He’s the substitute goalie for David Ospina, who is thus far doing a beautiful job keeping Greece at bay.

David Ospina’s efforts are pretty great, but it doesn’t quite match up to Colombia’s best. Remember this scorpion-like move by Rene Higuita?

The majority Colombian crowd erupted on the save. The score remains 1-0, Columbia up.

Eso es Colombia!!! Suerte en este primer partido del mundial!!

— Shakira (@shakira) June 14, 2014

Translation: “This is Colombia! Good luck in the first game of the World Cup!”

According to ABC, Greece is controlling percentage of time with the ball at 60 percent compared to Colombia’s 40 percent. The score remains 1-0 with Colombia up.

Referee Mark Gieger booked the Colombia after he fouled Greece’s Giorgos Samaras.

Fritz Hahn of the Going-Out Guide has some World Cup brunch plans for you. Check them out here.

And Roxanne Roberts on World Cup fever on Embassy Row.

Fans celebrate a goal by the host country at a watch party on Thursday at the Brazilian Embassy. (Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post)

HEAT MAP: Colombia having plenty of joy down their right flank. Greece mostly pegged back so far. #Col #Gre pic.twitter.com/oqCpG1prOR

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 14, 2014

This is what team spirit looks like.

After scoring the first goal for Colombia, Pablo Armero impressed his bench — and the Internet — by doing his signature dance.

Colombia dance wins the World Cup

— Nick Bromberg (@NickBromberg) June 14, 2014

OK, Colombia’s goal dance thing was really cool.

— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) June 14, 2014

aaw I love Colombia’s little dance!!! go #COL

— Cynthia R (@ItsCynthiaR) June 14, 2014

Here’s a view of his moves from the back after a World Cup qualifying game.

(Via 9gag.com)

(Alex Baldinger/The Washngton Post)

The Post’s Alex Baldinger is taking in the Colombia-Greece match, which is underway in Belo Horizonte at the stadium known as the Mineirao. He reports: If the stadium holds 65,000 I think 70,000 of them are Colombian.” Given Colombia’s early 1-0 lead, the atmosphere is likely just a bit festive.

The kick came off a deflected shot from Pablo Armero.

The Post’s Rick Maese is in the Amazonian city of Manaus for today’s big Italy-England matchup, but first he shows us that soccer is on the beach and “peacock” is on the menu.

Colombia fans enjoy the atmosphere in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, before their team’s World Cup opener vs. Greece. (Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Follow the link to read a post by Ishaan Tharoor of The Post’s WorldViews blog previewing Colombia’s World Cup with a look at the long shadow of its disappointing — and ultimately tragic — showing in the 1994 tournament.