By Yemisi Adegoke
There’s a week left until the start of the biggest sporting tournament in the world. Before we get down to who will lift the trophy, let’s have a look at some of the best upcoming games.
Group B: Spain VS The Netherlands – 8.00pm June 13th
The must see game of this group is a repeat of the 2010 World Cup final, where the Dutch lost 1-0. Van Gaal’s men will seek to extract revenge and prove themselves as worthy challengers. Oranje, ranked 15th in the world, hold the unlucky record of playing the most World Cup finals, three, without ever winning the tournament. Del Bosque’s Spain enters the competition as favourites and will seek to top the group and assert dominance early. Both teams are likely to pass the group stage, the question is who finishes top.
Group D: Italy vs England- 11.00pm June 14th
The Three Lions take on the Azzurri in what is likely to be an interesting match. With Italy hit by the absence of the stellar Montolivo, Prandelli will have to have a solid contigency plan to ensure they’re not caught on the back foot, however with a fully fit Balotelli up front it would be foolish to discount Italy as a real threat, does the England defence have enough to keep him at bay? How burgeoning stars Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge perform will also be interesting to see, as well as whether or Wanye Rooney will finally come into his own on the world stage.
Group F:Nigeria vs Argentina- 5.00pm June 25th
The Super Eagles have met Argentina at the group stage three times, 1996, 2002 and 2010, losing all three games. Will Keshi’s men break the pattern? With a solid Argentinian squad featuring Messi, Aguero, Di Maria and Higuain, they enter the tournament as the favourites to top the group with the Super Eagles likely to follow them
Group G: Germany vs Portugal-5.00pm June 16th
Germany enters the competition as one of the favourites to lift the trophy but Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo will not make it easy for the Germans. That said, the Germans, with a squad featuring Julian Draxler, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos will likely not make it easy for any other team. This is easily one of the most exciting games in the group stages.
What games are you most looking forward to during the group stages?