The ten must-watch games of the group stage at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
With the 2014 FIFA World Cup set to begin on Thursday, all eyes will be on the group stage of the world’s biggest footballing festival. With 48 matches at this stage there is plenty of football to be played, with these ten fixtures being the most mouth-watering within the opening stage.
10) England vs. Italy (14/06/2014)
One of the heavyweight clashes of the group stage comes at 11pm (GMT) on the 14th June, when England and Italy meet in the sweltering heat of the Amazon rainforest. With Group D also containing South American giants Uruguay, both sides will be keen not to start the tournament with a defeat ahead of their games against Luis Suarez and co. With the humidity and the heat unfamiliar to both sides, an open, exciting game is unlikely, but for tension and intrigue this clash is amongst the tournament’s best.
9) Nigeria vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina (21/06/2014)
Whilst not a clash between two of the tournament’s biggest names, the Group F match-up between Nigeria and Bosnia will be central to the race for second place in the group, assuming that Argentina are able to live up to their billing as one of the favourites for the World Cup. Manchester City star Edin Dzeko will be key to the hopes of a Bosnia side competing in their first ever World Cup as an independent nation, whilst African Cup of Nations holders Nigeria will be hoping to fly the flag for their continent into the second round.
8) The Netherlands vs. Chile (23/06/2014)
This clash between Holland and Chile on the final matchday in Group B could be the game that decides which nation goes through alongside holders Spain. Both sides will have faced both the champions and expected whipping boys Australia by this point, so this clash is likely to decide which one of the two will make it into the second round. It should also be an entertaining game, with both sides known for their open and expansive styles of play. Both nations are much stronger in attack than in defence, which could make for a high-scoring clash.
7) Belgium vs. Russia (22/06/2014)
Two emerging European footballing powers meet in Group H, where both Belgium and Russia will expect to qualify for the tournament’s second round. With a group also containing Algeria and South Korea, the two European nations will fancy their chances of getting through, but topping the group will be vital to avoiding Germany in the second round. Belgium, in particular, are seen as dark horses, with Premier League stars Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Vincent Kompany all likely to turn out for the Belgians.
6) Switzerland vs. France (20/06/2014)
Switzerland are one of the less fancied European sides, but they are unbeaten in three competitive matches against France, paving the way for an intriguing Group E clash. Both will expect to qualify from a group containing Honduras and Ecuador, but this game could be key to avoiding well-fancied Argentina in the second round. France have recovered from a difficult period to string together a number of impressive performances ahead of the tournament and could be one of the most entertaining teams in Brazil.
5) Italy vs. Uruguay (24/06/2014)
Group D has been described as the group of death in the run-up to the tournament, with the final fixture between Italy and Uruguay looking to be pivotal to the hopes of both nations. Both will already have faced England and will be likely to know what they have to do to qualify for the second round, despite the fact that the English will be expected to beat Costa Rica at the same time. Luis Suarez is likely to be fully fit by the time this game comes around, adding an extra dimension to an already exciting match.
4) Spain vs. Chile (18/06/2014)
World champions Spain have been drawn into a tough looking Group B, alongside Holland and Chile, making qualification for the second round less than a formality for the holders. They will already have faced Holland by the time this game against ultra-attacking, awkward Chile comes around, with a negative result in the opening game leaving little margin for error against a side playing in favourable conditions and with an attacking line-up that should be feared by any side.
3) Germany vs. Portugal (16/06/2014)
The opening fixture in Group H is an exciting looking affair between two of the fancied European nations, as Germany take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. The Germans are favourites to progress from the group and, should they win, it would leave Portugal under pressure up against Ghana and the USA. Germany have seen their preparations disrupted by an injury to Marco Reus, however, and there are also concerns that they don’t have an out-and-out striker other than the evergreen Miroslav Klose.
2) Brazil vs. Croatia (12/06/2014)
The opening game of the World Cup is always an exciting event, and 2014 promises to be no different as hosts and favourites Brazil face an awkward fixture against a rejuvenated Croatian side. Neymar will be the man on whom everyone’s eyes will fall, but it is also the first chance to see Scolari’s Brazilian side in a competitive fixture for a considerable amount of time. Croatia are also no slouches, particularly after finding their feet under new management and with a midfield including Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric.
1) Spain vs. The Netherlands (13/06/2014)
The one true clash between teams with a chance of going all the way comes on the opening night of Group B, where there is a repeat of the 2010 final between Spain and Holland. The threat of Chile in their group means that there is no margin for error for either team, with a defeat heaping the pressure on ahead of the games against the Chileans and Australia. It will also be the first chance at the tournament for fans to discover whether the Spanish side are just as dangerous as they were at the last three major tournaments, all of which were taken back to Madrid.