Match-by-match predictions: Group D

The memory of Paul the psychic octopus — the only true animal incarnation of Nostradamus whose predictions were ever to be trusted — lives on through our prediction of each and every match at this summer’s World Cup.

In the latest installment, we look at the group comprised of three former tournament champions, which will ultimately see one of the world's most noteworthy teams on the outside of the knockout stages looking in.

Group D

Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

Italy, England and Uruguay are expected to fight for the top two spots in the group, with Costa Rica there to make up the numbers. This group more so than most has seen injuries to influential players on each team, which could throw this entire section into flux.

Uruguay vs. Costa Rica - June 14, 3:00 PM EST (Estadio Castelao)

No Luis Suarez, no problem. 

The Liverpool striker will not play in the team's opening match, but with Edinson Cavani assuming the leading role in his stead, Uruguay should be just fine against a Costa Rican side that will struggle to create chances.

The loss of Alvaro Saborio robs Costa Rica of any attacking impetus, and Uruguay coast to a straightforward win.

Prediction: Uruguay 2, Costa Rica 0

England vs. Italy - June 14, 6:00 PM EST (Arena Amazonia)

One of the most widely-anticipated matches of the group stage. 

The Azzurri and Three Lions will have the impossible task of trying to replicate the excitement generated by the Netherlands' 5-1 thrashing of Spain from yesterday. While there almost certainly won't be the same total of goals in this match, tactically it will be an enthralling encounter.

Will Andrea Pirlo replicate his domineering display from this same fixture at Euro 2012? 

The heat may be absolutely stifling in Manaus, but the bearded genius will be cool as a cucumber, setting up Mario Balotelli for the opening goal before Daniel Sturridge rescues a point for his team.

Prediction: Italy 1, England 1

Uruguay vs. England - June 19, 4:00 PM EST (Arena Corinthians)

This one writes itself, doesn't it?

Against a team he is intrinsically familiar with, Suarez returns to the lineup and scores a brace, with the winning goal coming in injury time to break English hearts - and turn Anfield against him, if only for one day.

Prediction: Uruguay 2, England 1

Italy vs. Costa Rica - June 20, 1:00 PM EST (Arena Pernambuco)

Italy scores early, but the four-time world champions take their foot off the gas and concede some quality chances, making supporters everywhere endure heart palpitations.

A late goal secures a result that is not nearly as straightforward as the score would suggest. 

Doing things the hard way: it's what the Azzurri do best, after all.

Prediction: Italy 2, Costa Rica 0

Italy vs. Uruguay - June 24, 1:00 PM EST (Estadio das Dunas)

Italy are not the defensive stalwart of year's and tournament's past, while Uruguay are led at the back by a 33-year-old Diego Lugano whose best days are well behind them.

With Balotelli and Cavani leading the respective lines - and possibly Suarez back in the fold - this game will feature plenty of attacking action, which should result in the respective 'keepers picking the ball out of their net more than once.

Prediction: Italy 3, Uruguay 2

Costa Rica vs. England - June 24, 1:00 PM EST (Estadio Mineirao)

The Three Lions will have just enough to claim their first victory of the competition, relying on their young core of talent to get the three points after Roy Hodgson tinkers with his starting lineup after a pair of disappointing results in the first two matches of the round.

Ross Barkley sets up Raheem Sterling for the goal, and the English press berate Hodgson for not utilizing his young players earlier in the tournament.

Prediction: England 1, Costa Rica 0

Final Group Standings

Check back tomorrow when we cast our predictive gaze over Group E.

R.I.P. Paul.