Capello back at the World Cup with Russia

Fabio Capello returns to World Cup action on Tuesday as his Russia side take on South Korea.

The Italian's last taste of the big stage ended badly as England limped out in 2010 and he will be looking to amend that.

Here, Press Association's MatchStory looks at his chances.

Out of the blocks early

The Russians will be looking for a quick start for they scored a fifth of their goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches in qualifying. That was a higher proportion than all but three other finalists (Ivory Coast, Costa Rica & Holland), none of which have managed the feat in their opening matches so far.

On the flip side, the Koreans were often vulnerable early on, conceding three of their five first-half goals against inside the first quarter of an hour. This was more than any other team.

Read the rest of my piece for Press Association's MatchStory on ITV Football 

World Cup 2014 Preview: Belgium vs Algeria

Belgium will need Eden Hazard to be at the peak of his powers

Belgium arrive in Brazil with a hearty reputation to live up to.

They open up against Algeria on Tuesday having been glowingly spoken of for some months owing to the battery of stars they have around Europe.

Here, Press Association's MatchStory looks at if they can live up to the hype.

Winging it

This Group H clash could well be decided by what goes on down the flanks. Despite an mean defensive record, when the Belgians did slip up it was out wide where they were caught napping - three quarters of their goals conceded from the wings. And their opponents proved just as susceptible, conceding 71 per cent of their goals from out wide.

But, while both teams have demonstrated weaknesses in defending wide areas, they found joy in attacking them. Algeria scored half of their goals from the wings, while Belgium's 61 per cent of goals from wide is the second highest of teams in the finals, ironically behind the team they edged out into second-place in qualifying - Croatia.

Read the rest of my piece for Press Association's MatchStory on ITV Football

World Cup Squad Comparison

With the commencement of the 2014 World Cup in the offing, Campo Del Juego are giving you the chance to compare your nation's squad against the others. From average ages of the squads to the number of difference clubs that are being represented by each nation, we have your World Cup statistical needs covered.

(Courtesy of Match Story by Press Association)