World Cup 2014: Match Day 6

What a day yesterday! Thomas Mueller becomes the golden boot leader grabbing three goals against a sorry Portugal side that saw Pepe red carded int he first half for a very unsportsmanlike headbutt. The Germans lived up to their much anticipated quality form by dismissing Cristiano Ronaldo's side 4-0. In the midday game, Nigeria and Iran battled to the first draw of this tournament with a 0-0 score. Then it was the American dramatics that stole the show. John Brooks lifted American hopes and scored the game winner in the 86th minute to help the US defeat a historically strong Ghana side. 

Today marks the last day of the first round of games in the group stage and the beginning of everyone's second game. Belgium, as the media has dubbed a "dark horse" of this tournament, takes on Algeria in the day's opening game. Then the hosts, Brazil, have a challenging game against a scrappy Mexico team for their second game of the tournament. Finally, Russia and Korea Republic end the day with a game that pits two relatively unknown sides against each other in Group H. 

The marquee match up today is obviously Brazil vs. Mexico and we'll all look to see if Brazil can improve and build upon their opening win against Croatia. The eyes of the world will look to Neymar again to lead the Seleçao past the Mexicans. Many people have these two teams advancing from Group A but it will be a delight to see them pitted against each other. Hulk looks to be out of the starting line up in a precautionary move due to some muscle issues. Ramieres will get the start up top, adding more speed to their attack. 

Today's Games:

Belgium vs. Algeria, 9:00 PST Belo Horizonte

Brazil vs. Mexico, 12:00 PST Fortaleza

Russia vs. Korea Republic, 15:00 PST Cuiabá

My Picks:

Belgium

Brazil

Russia

My Record:

9 out of 14, 64%