Day 13 will be a day of reckoning for several countries, with Argentina in need of a win and some help to climb out of last place in Group D and into the knockout rounds. After Spain and Portugal both flirted with disaster yesterday, today’s games promise a bit more drama. Lionel Messi and Argentina, crushed last Thursday by Luka Modric and Croatia, have to beat Nigeria, and hope that Iceland doesn’t beat Croatia by a bigger scoreline to sneak into the second position in Group D. Meanwhile, in the morning games, France is already through from Group C, either Denmark or Australia can join them in the knockout round.
Denmark vs. France
What to watch for: France have not been overly impressive in winning their first two games, but those wins have propelled them into the Round of 16, which is always objective number one. Their prize for winning Group C might be a date with Argentina in the next round, but that might not be the worst thing in the world. Denmark, who beat France in the group stage back in 2002, need just a draw to ensure passage to the knockout rounds. Any sort of defeat would put them in a very delicate situation, depending on what Australia does against Peru. Which might just mean Denmark take a cautious approach against Les Blues.
Location: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
Kickoff time: 10:00 AM Eastern
Available TV: Fox, NBC Universo
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go, Universo Now, Telemundo
Australia vs. Peru
What to watch for: Australia has to win in order to have a chance of moving on, and the debate before the game is whether or not Tim Cahill should play for the Socceroos. Australia’s all time leading men’s scorer has not participated in either the first two games. He’s 38 now, and nearing the end of his career. But with just one goal to show for, manager Bert van Marwijk might have to turn to his talisman. Meanwhile, Peru are already out, and have yet to score in their first World Cup since 1982. But they can spoil Australia’s hopes, and maybe get a goal for captain Paolo Guerrero while they are at it.
Location: Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi
Kickoff time: 10:00 AM Eastern
Available TV: Fox Sports 1, Telemundo
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go, Telemundo
Nigeria vs. Argentina
What to watch for: This will be the game to watch today. Nigeria, with a win over Iceland, are in the best position to take the second spot in Group D. Their opposition though, is a team that has disappointed this far. Argentina’s loss to Croatia came in embarrassing fashion, and there are rumors that head coach Jorge Sampaoli isn’t really in charge anymore. Not only will Argentina have to win, but they will have to hope for some help from Croatia. Nigeria, likely would just need a draw to move onto the next round. And they can also be the team that ends Messi’s World Cup dreams in what’s likely his last go-around.
Location: Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
Kickoff time: 2:00 PM Eastern
Available TV: Fox, Telemundo
Available streaming: Fox Sports 1, Telemundo
Iceland vs. Croatia
What to watch for: Croatia is already through, and will likely end up as Group D winners, and should face either Denmark or Australia in the next round. A handsome reward for putting Messi and company to the sword last Thursday. (France have made it known they don’t want to face Croatia). Iceland, who were the darlings of Euro ‘16, have to get a really specific set of results to get through to the Round of 16. Firstly, they must win, but if that’s coupled with a Nigeria win, then they are out regardless. If Nigeria and Argentina draw, then it must be a low scoring draw, with Iceland beating Croatia by at least two goals to make up the goal differential. There’s a little bit more room for error if Argentina wins, since Iceland currently has a better goal differential. So it’s likely, in their World Cup debut, that Iceland won’t advance, but don’t tell them that.
Location: Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don
Kickoff time: 2:00 PM Eastern
Available TV: Fox Sports 1, NBC Universo
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go, Universo Now, Telemundo
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.