The 2014 FIFA World Cup is underway, and it couldn't have started with a more exciting beginning. Group D kicks off Friday afternoon with Uruguay and Costa Rica. But first, let's preview Italy against England.

These two teams don't have the most storied rivalry against one another, but they are two very passionate soccer nations.

Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers is the head official for this game

Italy

Italy is ranked No. 9 in the World and is looking to regain their title as best soccer country in the World. Italy has won four World Cups (second behind Brazil), their last coming in 2006 against the French.

Team Italy is coached by Cesare Prandelli who has been with the team since 2010. The last World Cup was very disappointing for Italy when they failed to even make it out of the group stage and advance to the knockout round for the first time since 1958.

This team is led by one of the best goalies in the world, Gianluigi Buffon. Buffon played excellent in 2006 helping Italy capture the Championship, but in 2010, he didn't play to his full potential. He's now 36 years old and hungrier than ever.

Italy's middle fielders pack a dynamic punch with Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Pirlo leading the way. Pirlo is one of the best passers on the team as he was the leading assist man on the 2006 squad. Italy's defenders and middle fielders may seem a bit aged, but they have the experience. The forwards, on the other hand, are young (only one player over 26) and built with speed and endurance, a clever tactic by coach Prandelli.

England

England is ranked No. 10 in the world, and they are coached by Roy Hodgson. Hodgson has managed England since 2012 and is one of the most polished coaches in the tournament having coached since the '70s.

England has a long soccer tradition, but the fans have been waiting for 48 years since their last World Cup victory, which was played in England. This team is certainly not favored to deliver the goods, but talent is spread out.

The strongest thing for the English lies within their middle fielders. High profile players, such as Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and James Milner, show promise. Similar to Italy, England does not have an elite offense, but Wayne Rooney looks to silence the critics. The English's defense is average, but goalkeeper may be the weakest link on this team.

When and where to watch?

Coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. EST on ESPN. This game will be played at the Arena da Amazônia in Manaus. This is the farthest location of any playing site located in the Northwest corridor of Brazil. This will be the first game played at this location, so it will be interesting to see how tourists and fans are able commute.

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