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This World Cup continues to be pantloads of fun for all doesn't it? The French continue to throttle those that face them so far, and while Honduras scored their first goal in tournament play in more than three decades, Ecuador rallied to win. And to continue the good feelings? Costa Rica with a shocking 1-0 win over Italy and their advancement to the Knockout stage for the first time since 1990. Needless to say, fans of the Ticos back home were happy. So let's look at today shall we?
Argentina vs. Iran
Kickoff time: 12:00 PM EDT
Venue: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte
TV/Streaming: ESPN, Univision and the apps and internets that come with it.
Cliff's Notes: The Argentines are the Group F leaders at the moment after defeating the Bosnians in the first round of matches while Iran played to the rare (for this tournament at least) scoreless draw with the Nigerians. The Albiceleste will be looking to be the next team to advance with a win today. A detailed preview can be found here.
Who should I root for? I think it is only fair that Lionel Messi and company have a chance to do something in this tournament to add to the prestige of their roster so that's where my interests are.
Germany vs. Ghana
Kickoff time: 3:00 PM EDT
Venue: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
TV/Streaming: ESPN. Univision. Internet.
Cliff's notes: The Germans lived up to the pre-tournament hype with an impressive 4-0 thrashing of Portugal, while I hope everyone remembered what Ghana did in their last match, right?
Who should I root for? Germany for several reasons: Their win clears the picture up immensely for the US tomorrow, where even a draw combined with a German win today has the US play a German side that presumably would want to rest some legs with their advancement to the Knockouts if they beat Ghana today. Plus the Germans keep my bracket alive so there is that.
Nigeria vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
Kickoff time: 6:00 PM EDT
Venue: Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba
TV/Streaming: ESPN. Univision. Internet.
Cliff's notes: Nigeria played to a scoreless draw with Iran in the last go round, while Bosnia-Herzegovina did not have enough left in the tank to share a result with the Argies and a win today is crucial. The SB Nation look at the match further is here.
Who should I root for? I feel like NIgeria should be punished somehow for the decision to not bring Obafemi Martins to the show, and additionally the Bosnians still hanging around would make for a great final matchday, so that is where I am leaning.
What are you Drinking? I have been and will be smoking a pork butt for some friends today so my day drinking will not get the type of run it expects. The evening likely brings the new batch of Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA and a solid nap with any luck.
It's Saturday, not like you were expected to get any real work done, were you?