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Yesterday's World Cup action featured two wonderful games, in Uruguay-England and Colombia-Ivory Coast, and then one snoozer in Japan-Greece. But, overall, this has been a great and exciting World Cup so far, and it looks like today's games will follow in the same mold.
Italy vs. Costa Rica
Kickoff time: 12:00 PM EDT
Venue: Arena Pernambuco, Recife
TV/Streaming: You know the drill by now: ESPN and Univision on the old movin' picture box, and WatchESPN and Univision online for your fancy internet streaming.
Cliff's Notes: Italy and Costa Rica both sit atop Group D right now, with Costa Rica beating Uruguay and Italy beating England; and, the way all of the teams have looked so far, these are the best two teams in the group. And while neither team can guarantee a spot in the knockout round with a win here, it would be all but assumed.
Who should I root for? Despite the way they treat the US during Concacaf qualifying, you should root for Costa Rica to at least get a tie. Besides the fact that it would be cool to see one of the smaller Concacaf teams get into the knockout rounds, a tie or win by Costa Rica would officially eliminate England.
Switzerland vs. France
Kickoff time: 3:00 PM EDT
Venue: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
TV/Streaming: ESPN. Univision. Internet.
Cliff's notes: Switzerland have been one of the more surprising UEFA teams so far, beating Ecuador in stoppage time. France, on the other hand, have not yet really been tested, as they played most of their game against Honduras against 10 men.
Who should I root for? Do your prefer chocolate or wine? Do you love the Zidane headbutt or hate it? Do you prefer underdogs or former champions? Personally, I am just hoping for a good game between the two European neighbors.
Honduras vs. Ecuador
Kickoff time: 6:00 PM EDT
Venue: Arena da Baixada, Curitiba
TV/Streaming: ESPN. Univision. Internet.
Cliff's notes: Ecuador lost a heartbreaker to Switzerland, getting scored upon in the third minute of second-half stoppage time. Honduras got fairly well handled by France, although it could be a bonus that that Wilson Palacios is suspended. Like most games between teams on zero points, a loss in this game will basically eliminate the loser, while the winner has some life.
Who should I root for? Honduras showed the bad side of Concacaf in their first game, but they also have Andy Najar. I will root for Andy personally, but Ecuador overall.
Let's get to it. Isn't the World Cup great?