World Cup
day 15, and with it the last 4 games of group stage for all
groups. Today we will have in action Group G & H.
USA vs. Germany
Match Info
The Group
G plays the final matches at 1pm local time in Brazil. Everything is possible
in this group with all teams still having a chance to qualify. Germany and USA
need only a tie to move on to the round of 16.
The match
will be played at Arena Pernambuco, Recife, which has a capacity of 42,610
people.
These two
nations have faced each other nine times, with Germany having won 6 of those
matches, losing three to the USA. Germany scored 21 goals in those nine matches
while USA has 15 goals in those same nine matches.
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USA and
Germany both need a tie to advance to the round of 16. While I don’t expect
them to play for the tie, I also don’t expect this to be a high octane game.
Germany will most likely rest some of their regulars for this match. That
should help USA get a positive result, which would mean they would be playing
in the next round.
Players to Watch
This is
the perfect match for Klose to come in and start. Perhaps this is his last
chance at becoming the all-time World Cup leading scorer. He is currently tied
with Ronaldo from Brazil with 15 goals; he needs one more to be at the top. I
believe Low will give him the start and that chance.
Portugal vs. Ghana
Match Info
The Group
G other match is also at 1pm local time in Brazil. Everything is possible in
this group but Portugal would have to win 5-0 to advance or hope that USA loses
by a combined difference of 5 goals in order for them to advance.
The match
will be played at Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, which has a capacity of 69,349
people.
These two
nations have never faced each other. This will be their first ever official
match playing one another.
Both
teams can advance to the round of 16 but they would need to score a boat load
of goals on each other. They are very evenly matched so I don’t expect this to
be a high scoring game. Portugal will be missing Hugo Almeida, Postiga and
Andre Almeida due to injuries and Ghana will miss Muntari, serving a one game
suspension because he picked up two yellow cards in the previous two games.
Players to Watch
This is it
for Cristiano Ronaldo, he will have to put on his best performance yet with
Portugal if his country has any chance of advancing. Even then they will depend
on a third party, but unless he comes out flying and plays to his full
potential this will be a very disappointing World Cup for Portugal and
Cristiano Ronaldo.
Algeria vs. Russia
Match Info
The Group
H has their matches at 5pm local time in Brazil. Both Russia and Algeria can
still qualify for the round of 16. Russia needs to win, Algeria can advance
with a win or tie, depending on what South Korea does in their match.
The match
will be played at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, which has a capacity of 39,631
people.
These two
nations have faced each other once. The game ended in a 2-2 tie.
Algeria
has looked stronger than Russia, but since both teams need a win I can see this
being a very good match. Algeria could possibly advance with a tie, but I don’t
think they will want to leave their future in someone else’s hands. Russia has
failed to impress, but they can still go through with a win in this game.
Players to Watch
Slimani
from Algeria would be my pick of player to watch. He is a very strong forward,
good with the ball at his feet but also very strong in the areal game. He will
be fundamental for the success of Algeria in this game. Playing against a
Russian backline, his strength and power will create space for his team mates.
Even if he is not the one finishing the play he will create opportunities for
other to do so.
Korea Republic vs. Belgium
Match Info
The Group
H has their second match at 5pm local time in Brazil. Belgium has already
qualified top of the group with 6 points, but Korea Republic still has a chance
to make it but they will need a big win and a positive result in the other
match.
The match
will be played at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, which has a capacity
of 62,601 people.
These two
nations have faced each three times. Belgium won twice and drew once. In those
three matches Belgium scored 5 goals and allowed 2.
Belgium
having already qualified should field some of their bench players to rest some
of the regulars. Korea on the other hand will have to play the game of their
lives if they are to defeat Belgium and having a chance of dreaming with the
round of 16.
Players to Watch
Lukaku
will most likely get another start, but his poor performances in the last two
games are creating a shorter window of opportunity for him in that forward
position. He will have a chance in this game to right the ship and prove to
Wilmots that he is the man for the job.
Match Day 15 - Staff Picks
Kon: USA 0-2 Germany, Portugal 1-2 Ghana, Russia 1-0 Algeria, Belgium 2-0 Korea Rep.Pedro:USA 0-2 Germany, Portugal 3-0 Ghana, Russia 1-2 Algeria, Belgium 2-0 Korea Rep.
Iain: USA 1-1 Germany, Portugal 1-2 Ghana, Russia 1-1 Algeria, Belgium 3-0 Korea Rep.
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