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Don't get us wrong: despite the results that Honduras and Ecuador delivered on Matchday 4, we are still encouraged of the promise of today. So rather than talk things up (or worse, off), let's get to it:
Germany vs. Portugal
Kickoff Time: 12:00pm EDT
Venue: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
TV/Streaming: ESPN, Univision and WatchESPN
Cliff's Notes: These are the other two teams in the United States' vaunted Group of Death, and Portugal plays the U.S. Saturday. Germany is without Marco Reus but they still remain dangerous and at minimum a semifinalist, particularly after Spain's 5-1 loss to the Netherlands. Portugal is with Cristiano Ronaldo who is at 100% after not seeing any action until late last week against the Irish, but we'll see what the first hard German tackle does to awaken his tendonosis/tendonitis.
Who Should I Root For?: At the risk of being that person who says you should hope for a draw where five a side is all that is left...go go USA.
Iran vs. Nigeria
Kickoff Time: 3:00pm EDT
Venue: Arena de Baixada, Curitiba
TV/Streaming: ESPN, Univision and WatchESPN
Cliff's Notes: Iran and Nigeria have the luxury of almost 24 hours since Argentina's win over Bosnia-Herzegovina and adjusting accordingly to grasp second place in the group. Nigeria arrived in Brazil giving the United States a run for their money in a sendoff game, whereas Iran has only given up a goal in their last four matches leading up to Brazil. Carlos Queiroz will have the Iranians ready versus John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses leading the Super Eagles.
Who Should I Root For?: Well, we have said that Argentina and Bosnia are the most likely candidates to make it out of Group F. Past that, in a matchup of presumed 3rd and 4th place teams? The best story available. I am down for seeing the Iranians take three points here, even if it means Moses is deprived some satisfaction in the first game.
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What's that you say, you don't see a listing for the Ghana-USA game? Hold on, it's coming. [EDIT: It's here.] So plan accordingly, nap if you need to, because we will be here for a bit.