The second USA match isn’t until tomorrow, but play from the Yanks’ Group of Death returns today with Germany vs. Ghana. Germany whipped Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal by four goals, two injuries and a red card on Sunday, and they’ll certainly hope to continue their success against the Ghanaians, who lost to the US Monday despite enjoying almost uninterrupted possession of the ball. Not having the ball today might suit the Africans, though, so Germany must be careful against a side that will pose more counterattacking threat than ten-man Portugal.
Argentina vs. Iran (Group F)
Second-round play begins today with Lionel Messi’s Argentina taking on lowly Iran, managed by former Portugal coach Carlos Quieroz. Monday’s USA vs. Ghana match was perhaps the most one-sided of the tournament so far in terms of position, since the USA got a goal in the first minute and allowed Ghana to have the ball for almost the entirety of the match. Argentina vs. Iran should outdo that match. The Iranians are the most defensive team in the tournament and today face a loaded albiceleste squad.
Switzerland vs. France (Group F)
The second match of the day is a meeting between two European neighbors. France and Switzerland both took three points Sunday; France beat Honduras 3-0 and Switzerland scored a late, late goal to beat Ecuador 2-1. Either team that wins today is in the driver seat to win the group and avoid Argentina in the next round.
Japan vs. Greece (Group C)
The second match of the day from Group C features Japan and Greece, two sides who play very different brands of football. Japan sat back after scoring against Ivory Coast last week and eventually paid the price, surrendering two goals. Greece always sit back and play on the counterattack. But the talented Japanese midfielders usually like possession and will likely see plenty of the ball here. Tonight’s match might turn into a siege applied by the boys from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Uruguay vs. England (Group D)
This jogo dos desperados should be the biggest scrap in the Cup so far. Both of these teams have strong footballing pedigrees, with three World Cup wins between them, but they both lost their first round matches. Uruguay’s defeat, 3-1 to Costa Rica, was one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far. England’s 2-1 loss to Italy is probably considered a shock in England, if not in the rest of the world. Both of these sides are fighting for their World Cup survival today, and their attitudes should reflect it.
Colombia vs. Ivory Coast (Group C)
The first match of round two from Group C features the two winners from last week. Colombia dominated Greece, 3-0, before Didier Drogba (pictured above) inspired Ivory Coast to a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Japan. The two sides play different styles, but both used width well last week. If this game gets stretched, it could be very exciting.
Cameroon vs. Croatia (Group A)
The two losers from last week’s Group A play meet today. Cameroon, who got blown off the field by Mexico on Friday but were treated to a flattering 1-0 scoreline by a sympathetic linesman, aren’t favored against the Croatians, who were better against Brazil than the 3-1 defeat suggests. Elimination awaits today’s losers.
Spain vs. Chile (Group B)
After a thrilling meeting between Australia and Holland, the stakes are raised for the second match in Group B. Spain and Chile face off, in what might be the most thrilling match of the tournament yet. Spain and Chile are two attacking sides, and both will throw caution to the wind to achieve the results they need today.
Australia vs. Holland (Group B)
The second round of Group B play kicks off with Australia, losers Friday against Chile, taking on Holland, who crushed defending champions Spain. The Dutch were unstoppable that day, scoring five, while the Australians were fortunate to escape with only a 3-1 defeat.
This is only the second game I’ve expected a real thrashing, after Argentina vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina. That match was fairly even and ended only 2-1 in favor of the South Americans, but Australia don’t seem to have the firepower to make me eat my words again today.
Russia vs. South Korea (Group H)
Day Six of World Cup 2014 closes with the final match of the first round, between Group H rivals Russia and South Korea. As I mentioned in the preview to the first match in Group H, which Belgium won 2-1 over Algeria, this is a relatively open group from which each team has a decent chance of advancing.