World Cup 2018 really gets going today with three games to watch: Egypt vs. Uruguay, then Morocco vs. Iran, and finally Portugal vs. Spain. All three games are super exciting but the one drawing the most attention is Spain vs. Portugal. That game will likely determine who finishes first in Group B and is a look at what is happening with Spain after the firing of their coach only two days ago.
Egypt vs. Uruguay
What to watch for: This is Egypt’s first World Cup game since 1990, and fortunately for them, they’re in the weakest group of the World Cup. These teams appear to be the strongest in Group A, so this is a promising game to watch and will likely determine the order of finish. The big if is whether Mohamed Salah will be ready to play in Egypt’s opener after suffering a shoulder injury in the Champions League final.
Location: Yekaterinburg Arena (Yekaterinburg)
Kickoff time: 8:00am Eastern
Available TV: Fox Sports 1, Telemundo
Available streaming: Telemundo (just click it!)
Morocco vs. Iran
What to watch for: I’m super pumped for this game since I’m rooting for Iran and this game is super big for both countries. Iran’s goalkeeper, Alireza Beiravand has a super interesting life story (detailed here). He started playing soccer at 12, but his father disapproved and would tear up his gloves. Beiravand then moved to Tehran, where he was worked as a car cleaner (SUVs because he is 6’4”), at a pizzeria, and as a street cleaner before his soccer career took off.
Location: Krestovsky Stadium (Saint Petersburg )
Kickoff time: 11:00am Eastern
Available TV: Fox, Telemundo
Available streaming: Telemundo (again, just click it)
Spain vs. Portugal
What to watch for: This is the game to watch! The two powerhouses face off in what will likely determine the first place finisher from Group B. The big thing to watch is Spain’s coaching situation. Spain fired their coach two days before their opening match essentially because he agreed to coach at Real Madrid at the conclusion of the World Cup. So yeah, that’s pretty notable. The new guy, Fernando Hierro, basically said it’s too late to change anything and he’s going to stick with the established plan.
Location: Fisht Olympic Stadium (Sochi)
Kickoff time: 2:00pm Eastern
Available TV: Fox, Telemundo
Available streaming: Telemundo (all you do is click)
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.