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Yesterday's World Cups, while still exciting games in themselves, were somewhat lacking in overall drama. Chile and the Netherlands had to decide who was first place in the group and who was second, and seeding was the only thing on the line in the Brazil-Cameroon game as well. Surprisingly to those looking from the the beginning of the tournament, Spain-Australia meant nothing. Croatia-Mexico did have stakes, but most of us could tell from Mexico's play this tournament that they had the upper hand on Croatia, and they took advantage.
But if you like stakes, today's games have stakes. Let's get into them, shall we?
Italy vs. Uruguay
Kickoff time: Noon, EDT
Venue: Estadio das Dunas, Natal
TV/Streaming: ESPN. WatchESPN. Univision. Univision online. You know the drill.
Cliff's notes: This is the big one, for all of the marbles, between two former champions. If either team wins this game, they are through to the knockout round; if either team loses this game, they are out of the tournament. If there is a tie, Italy goes through on goal difference, so you know that Uruguay will come out gunning. Plus, there is Mario Balotelli and Luis Suarez: what more could you possibly want? Oh, and Mark Geiger will be reppin' Concacaf by being the fourth official for this game.
Who should I root for? It all comes down to personal preference, Suarez vs. Balotelli, the Uruguayan style versus the Italian style. Let us know in the comments who you are for.
Costa Rica vs. England
Kickoff time: Noon, EDT
Venue: Estadio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
TV/Streaming: This one is a little different, since it is happening at the same time as the other. ESPN2 and WatchESPN, and well as UniMas and Univision online. But why would you watch this game?
Cliff's notes: Fine, this one is a bit of a snoozer. Unless the previous game is a blowout (and can therefore affect goal difference), Costa Rica will be going out top of the group. England is already out, so it may be of academic curiosity to see who they play. But seriously, why are you watching this game?
Who should I root for? Costa Rica, to complete the Concacafination of this group and for even more England-schadenfreude.
Japan vs. Colombia
Kickoff time: 4 PM, EDT
Venue: Estadio das Dunas, Natal
TV/Streaming: ESPN, WatchESPN, Univision, and Univision online. There are Canadian channels too, but I'm sure our Canadian friends know what they are.
Cliff's notes: Colombia is already through, and likely to be top of the group due to goal difference. Japan, on the other hand, needs to win this game and hope for a draw in the other game to have a chance of going through. A tie does them nothing, they have to win this game and try to score enough goals to swing goal difference in their favor.
Who should I root for? Japan, just so that there is drama in both games. An early blowout would not benefit anyone, though Colombia is well capable of it.
Greece vs. Ivory Coast
Kickoff time: 4 PM EDT
Venue: Estadio Castelão, Fortaleza
TV/Streaming: This one is a little different, since it is happening at the same time as the other. ESPN2 and WatchESPN, and well as UniMas and Univision online.
Cliff's notes: If Ivory Coast win this game, they are through to the knockout rounds. A tie in this game and a win by Japan would bring the tiebreakers into play, and goal difference is not stacked in their favor. If they happen to lose to Greece, they are out, although it would be again down to the results of the other game to see if Greece or Japan would advance.
Who should I root for? Not Greece. Never Greece.