World Cup 2014: Match Day 15

This is the favorite part of the tournament for mathematicians as we see the group stage conclude with every point being valuable to the life of these teams. No group proves this more than the Group of Death, Group G.

Today the United States play favorites Germany needing at least a draw to advance to the Round of 16. While this game is being played, Portugal and Ghana will duel to see who can rise from the bottom and advance to the next round. Cristian Ronaldo's team will need an impressive victory with a strong boost to their goal differential to see them advance. The African side will need no less than a win, a healthy goal differential, and United States loss to advance.

The above countries will learn who they may match up against in the next round when South Korea plays Belgium and Algeria plays Russia in the evening games. Belgium looks to solidify their spot as the leaders of Group H while Algeria and Russia look to settle a pivotal match up that may decide who advances as the runner up out of this group.

Yesterday, we found out two more matches to look ahead to in the next round. France will be playing Nigeria and Argentina will play Switzerland. Lionel Messi scored a double yesterday to put Argentina through on three wins from the group stage. The rest of his team showed more promise today against the Nigerians but their hopes to hoist the World Cup trophy look to rest solely on number 10's little shoulders.

Today's Games:
USA vs. Germany, 9:00 PST Recife
Portugal vs. Ghana, 9:00 PST Brasilia
South Korea vs. Belgium, 13:00 PST Sao Paulo
Algeria vs. Russia, 13:00 PST Curitiba

My Picks:
Germany
Portugal
Belgium
Tie

My Record:
27 out of 44, 61%

World Cup Match Day 14

Chew on this: Luis Suarez has just bitten his third victim in his professional soccer career. Unfortunately, that was the headline yesterday, and just below it was the surprising result that Uruguay beat Italy to advance into the knockout round with Costa Rica from Group D. Near the end of the game, Suarez seemingly bit into Georgio Chielini's shoulder inside the box. The referee did not see the act, and no red card was issued to Suarez. However, FIFA has already stated that they will promptly launch an investigation into this issue.

To think that Costa Rica and Uruguay would eliminate England and Italy from this group would have been laughable months before this World Cup even kicked off. Two of the strongest, most storied European nations are going home with Spain. England couldn't even muster a goal yesterday as the drew with Costa Rica, 0-0. Shocking.

To continue updating your bracket, you will be writing Columbia vs. Uruguay and Costa Rica vs. Greece in the Round of 16. Greece pulled off a win against the Ivory Coast behind a late penalty that was buried by Samaras. Columbia remained unbeaten by winning all of their group stage matches and are raising eyebrows as one of the South American teams to watch in the knockout stages.

Today, Lionel Messi and Argentina look to remain unbeaten and clinch the top seed out of their Group F while Karim Benzema and the French side look to do the same in Group E. Iran are fighting for their life when they take on Bosnia-Herzegovina needing a strong result and Nigera to lose if they are to go through. Ecuador and Switzerland, although not playing each other today, are also in a dogfight to get through to the next round.

Today's Games:
Nigeria vs. Argentina, 9:00 PST Porto Alegre
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Iran, 9:00 PST Salvador
Honduras vs. Switzerland, 13:00 PST Manaus
Ecuador vs. France, 13:00 PST Rio de Janeiro

My Picks:
Argentina
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Switzerland
France

My Record:
23 out of 40, 58%

World Cup 2014: Match Day 13

The final group stage matches kicked off yesterday, seeing Netherlands top Chile for first position out of Group B and Brazil taking first position over Mexico from Group A. This sets the first two games of the Round of 16 in this World Cup: Brazil vs. Chile and Netherlands vs. Mexico. Croatia, Cameroon, Austraila and former champions Spain have all ended their play in Brazil, failing to escape the Group Stage, but still having shown valiant efforts in their play.

Today, we push onward and find out the next round match ups between Group C and Group D. The marquee matchup of the day pits European powerhouse Italy against South American warriors Uruguay. A classic match up that will feature stars like Luis Suarez, Adrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli, and Ednilson Cavani, don't miss this one as it also will determine which one of these teams makes it to the next round, and which one goes home. Just a tie or a win will push Italy through, while Uruguay needs a win to qualify. Costa Rica finishes their group stage having already qualified for the next round with a game against the eliminated England side. Costa Rica, the biggest surprise of the tournament so far, have the opportunity to lock up first position in Group D.

Group C is a much more open group as Columbia, Greece, Japan, and Ivory Coast could each either qualify for or be eliminated from advancing to the next round. Columbia has looked the strongest, boasting a complete team that can pass together, play defense well, and provide a deadly attack.

Today's Games:
Italy vs. Uruguay, 9:00 PST Natal
Costa Rica vs. England, 9:00 PST Belo Horizonte
Japan vs. Columbia, 13:00 PST Cuiabá
Greece vs. Ivory Coast, 13:00 PST Fortaleza

My Picks:
Italy
England
Columbia
Ivory Coast

My Record:
22 out of 36, 61%

World Cup 2014: Match Day 12

Excuse me while I gather my thoughts, while they are still all over the floor after that USA vs. Portugal game. Wow, what a mistake by the United States defense in the 94th minute to let Portgual equalize the game and steal a point to turn the Group of Death into the Group of Anything-Can-Happen. For 80 minutes the US dominated the game, pressuring Portugal and having many chances at goal. They protected a 2-1 lead until extra time. Then what could arguably be called the greatest ball in the tournament so far, Cristiano Ronaldo put at cross on his teammate's head that ended in the back of the net. Now Portugal lives to see another day, and the US must do its math to advance to the Round of 16.

Today, we have more pivotal match ups to watch that will determine the pairings of Group A and Group B in the next round. Chile and Netherlands square off to see who will take bragging rights and a favored seed out of their Group. The Dutch will be without the services of Robin van Persie due to yellow card accumulation suspension. The Chileans may look to rest Arturo Vidal as even a loss in this game would not leave them out of the next phase.

Group A will be decided between Brazil, Mexico, and Croatia to see who will play against the Group B winners. Brazil plays Cameroon at the same time Mexico plays Croatia. All teams in this third match must play their games at the same time as their Group counterparts to insure there are no thrown games due to results earlier in the day. Needless to say, we will have a two games set after today that will give us insight into the knockout stage of the World Cup.

Today's Games:
Chile vs. Netherlands,
Spain vs. Australia,
Brazil vs. Cameroon,
Mexico vs. Croatia,

My Picks:
Netherlands
Spain
Brazil
Mexico

My Record:
18 out of 32, 56%

World Cup 2014: Match Day 11

Yesterday was another day of unexpected results in Brazil at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Iran held off South American favorites Argentina for 90 minutes until Lionel Messi broke their hearts with a beautiful left foot curler from outside the box in stoppage time. The discussion leans toward how unimpressive Argentina is looking, having to rely too heavily on their number 10. It was another shocking result in another amazing game when Ghana tied Germany 2-2. After a scoreless first half, the two teams battled back and forth, both looking lethal and powerful. Super sub Miroslav Klose came off the bench for Germany to score the game winner in classic poacher style, equalling Ronaldo's total goals scored record in World Cups at 15 a piece. With both teams taking away a point, the door in the Group of Death just got a little wider, and the pencils of mathematicians around the world got a little shorter as they crunched the numbers. 

But today, that door could shut with one team walking through to the Round of 16 from Group G. If the United States of America can beat Portugal, they will qualify to advance into the next round. 

The football fever has risen to a boil in the US, and Clint Dempsey reports that his team feels as though there is a 12th man on the pitch in Brazil due to the faithful US supporters that have travelled to the Amazon in Natal and Manaus. A country known for its love of baseball, american football, and basketball, is turning their attention toward the 23 men it sent to Brazil dressed in red, white, and blue. 

Michael Bradley will have to be the General he is known to be in the midfield for the US in their game today. The US must not be cautious, rather, they must risk everything and go forward against a weakened Portuguese side. Cristiano Ronaldo limps into the game with a lingering knee issue, Pepe is suspended on a red, Hugo Almeida has an injury, and Fabio Contreao has been ruled out of the World Cup with an injury. This is the best possible time for the United States to strike against Portugal and take them for all 3 points. Without the services of Jozy Altidore, the US attack surely is also weakened but Clint Dempsey is known for stepping up and doing whatever it takes to put that ball in the back of the net. 

The other games of this match day 11 see Russia play against Belgium and then Korea play Algeria to round out the second round of games in the Group Stage. We will have a much more clear picture of the Round of 16 before this day is over, setting up some epic battles this week. 

Today's Games:

Belgium vs. Russia, 9:00 PST Rio de Janeiro

Korea vs. Algeria, 12:00 PST Porto Alegre

USA vs. Portugal, 15:00 PST Manaus

My Picks:

Belgium

Korea

USA

My Record:

17 out of 29, 59%

World Cup 2014: Match Day 10

How about that Costa Rica team?! As if their upset over Uruguay wasn't enough, Los Ticos upped the anty by beating Italy 1-0 yesterday. By doing so, England has been officially knocked out of the 2014 World Cup! This is amazing! It's hard to believe that already, just after the first week of play, both Spain and England are out, while both Italy and Brazil are still fighting to get into the next round. Wow. This is football. This is soccer. This is the World Cup.

Today, we may have a few more shockers on hand. Lionel Messi continues his quest for the only major trophy that eludes him when Argentina play Iran at the Estadio Mineirao. This should be a dismantling of Iran, but you can never count any team out in the World Cup. 

Germany look to continue their strong debut when they play a tough Ghana team in the second match of the day. Ghana took it to the United States with their strong, fast play but were finally defeated by the resilient American side. The Black Stars will have to play even harder against the technically sound abilities of the Germans. Questions have arisen whether or not Bastian Schweinsteiger is fit for play, but Germany looked strong without him in their 4-0 thrashing of Portugal. 

The final game of match day 10 pits Bosnia-Herzegovina against Nigeria at the Arena Pantanal. Eden Dzeko and company look to rebound after their opening loss to Argentina and an unlucky own goal. The World Cup debutants look to stay alive against a fast paced Nigerian squad that drew their opening match 0-0 with Iran. 

Today's Games:

Argentina vs. Iran, 9:00 PST Belo Horizonte

Germany vs. Ghana, 12:00 PST Fortaleza

Nigeria vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, 15:00 PST Cuiabá

My Picks:

Argentina

Germany

Bosnia-Herzegovina

My Record:

16 out of 26, 62%

World Cup 2014: Match Day 9

The shockwaves keep on coming! Yesterday Luis Suarez did what he does best, be a thorn in his rivals' side. Uruguay beat England 2-1 despite Wayne Rooney's first ever goal in a World Cup match. With two losses to start this tournament, things are looking very grim for the Queen's lads. The Ivory Coast couldn't put back to back wins together and fell to the sharp looking Columbians. Japan and Greece played to a scoreless draw, making Group C a very tight race still.

Today's match day pits the surprising Costa Ricans against Italy in the opening match. Pirlo and Balotelli will be wise not to underestimate Los Ticos, but the Azzurri are heavily favored to win this game. Costa Rica and the rest of the CONCACAF North American nations already have 3 wins, 1 tie, and only 1 loss to begin this World Cup, a strong showing for what many still see as a weaker footballing region. 

The second game of the day will be France against Switzerland in a match up of two UEFA teams. The French have brought one of the youngest squads to this tournament but they showed great unity in their opening win against Honduras. Benzema and Giroud are the focal points of their attack, with veteran Patrice Evra's experience anchoring their defense. It will be interesting to see how the Swiss deal with the many faces of France's attack. 

The final game of match day 9 sees the resilient Ecuadorians take on Honduras. The later had a very poor showing in their opening game, picking up a red card and failing to string together any real possession or show any promising attack. Ecuador is playing for the memory of their fallen brother, Chucho, a player that went to play in the Middle East but suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 27, only 6 months before this tournament kicked off. Look for El Tri Color to bring the heat with both of the Valencias streaking down the flanks toward goal. 

Today's Games:

Italy vs. Costa Rica, 9:00 PST Recife

France vs. Switzerland, 12:00 PST Salvador

Honduras vs. Ecuador, 15:00 PST Curitiba

My Picks:

Italy

France

Ecuador

My Record:

14 out of 23, 61%

World Cup 2014: Match Day 8

The mighty have fallen! There will be a new champion crowned at this World Cup! Chile put on a fantastic show to defeat Spain 2-0 at the Estadio Maracaná. There was a raucous crowd on hand cheering for the Chileans and celebrating the end of an era.

In the previous game, the Netherlands booked their passage into the Round of 16 after an exciting back and forth battle with Australia. Tim Cahill smashed a one timer for what could be the goal of the tournament in his last World Cup game before international retirement. However, it wasn't enough as RVP and Arjen Robben both scored again to put the Dutch through to the next round.

Today, we see a huge match up between England and Uruguay taking place in São Paulo. Luis Suarez will indeed be fit to start against the country where he plays his club football. British eyes will all be on Wayne Rooney to see if he can finally get his first World Cup goal and lead the Three Lions to a desperately needed win.

The Ivory Coast squire off against Columbia in Group C action, coming off a comeback victory in their first match. No word yet on if Dider Drogba will start, but Les Elephants will surely need him. The other half of Group C will play their second match when Japan and Greece square off.

Today's Games:
Columbia vs. Ivory Coast, 9:00 PST
England vs. Uruguay, 12:00 PST
Japan vs. Greece, 15:00 PST

My Picks:
Columbia
England
Japan

My Record:
13 out of 20, 65%

World Cup 2014: Match Day 7

Yesterday brought the front runner for Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa of Mexico put forth an absolutely stunning shutdown performance against host nation Brazil in an enthralling 0-0 tie between Mexico and O Seleçao. The two teams battled to earn a point each in the second game of their Group A fixtures. Ochoa registered 6 outstanding saves, with some spectacular blocks on Neymar and Thiago Silva to preserve the point for his side. Mexico put forth an impressive effort as well, many times challenging the strong Brazilian defense into their own eighteen yard box. After the game, neither team has locked up passage to the next round, making their next matches extremely pivotal to their hopes of advancing.



Today, we see the defending champions take on a worthy Chilean side as Spain look to bounce back from the thrashing given to them by the Netherlands. Many questions swirl around the Spanish camp for head coach Vicente Del Bosque about whether or not he will leave Diego Costa at the striker position, and what he will do about many of his other underperforming star players. Juan Mata and David Villa have yet to see any minutes, while rumblings of benching goalkeeper Iker Casillas have been making their way around the soccer world.



The Dutch look to continue their impressive form as they take on the Socceroos from Australia. Tim Cahill, in what may be his final international push, will hope to lead an upset for the Aussies and keep their World Cup dreams alive. Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben will be the focal point of that Dutch attack while building upon their combined 4 goals in the tournament already.



Cameroon and Croatia square off in the final game of the day to round out the second games for the countries in Groups A and B. By the end of today, we should have a much more clear picture of who will advance to the Round of 16 and who will be going home with their spirits crushed.



Today's Games:

Netherlands vs. Australia, 9:00 PST Porto Alegre

Spain vs. Chile, 12:00 PST Rio de Janeiro

Cameroon vs. Croatia, 15:00 PST Manaus



My Picks:

Netherlands

Chile

Croatia



My Record:

10 out of 17, 59%

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%