10 Group Games to Watch
Every fixture offers intrigue and drama when you put 32 of the world’s best international sides on the big stage every 4 years (yes, I’m including representatives from AFC, CONCACAF, and CAF). Let’s not kid ourselves though, there are still games that get our soccer juices flowing a lot more than others during the group stage (no offense Algeria vs South Korea). Here are 10 games I have circled that even casual fans should watch to enjoy the beautiful game at its highest level. Notice I’ve omitted all 3 games for the US Men’s National Team from this list because quite frankly I’m biased and believe you should watch all of those anyways unless you’re a communist.
10: Belgium vs Algeria (June 17)
I scarcely believe I’m including Algeria on a list of games to watch for this summer’s World Cup. However this is the same Algerian side who mustered a result against England 4 years ago and nearly kept Team USA out of the knockout stage until Landon Donovan’s improbable goal stoppage time goal. Honestly the reason they crack this list is more about their opponent Belgium that is getting a TON of press about the potential for a deep run. Sure it’s a golden generation for the small European country but this group hasn’t been here before let alone with such high expectations. I do like their talent mix, it’s hard not to when you see a roster littered with international caliber superstars. The one name missing that hurts their chances is Christian Benteke, the ultra talented striker who plays his club soccer for Aston Villa. It’s not easy to suit up for the national side right out of the gate and click on all cylinders. Pressure bursts pipes…while everyone is giving Belgium a free pass to qualify I think they could show some kinks in the early armor allowing Algeria to grab a result
The Bet: Algeria +1.25 and Draw +310
Drinking Game: Take a shot every time they say “golden generation” in reference to Belgium
9: Colombia vs Greece June 14
Every fan of offensive minded soccer might want to avert their eyes for this Group C clash. There are experts out there who know 100x more about soccer than I do…meaning they give Greece no chance to qualify for the knockout stage but I’m here to play devil’s advocate. The Greek’s will employ the most resolute disgusting brand of soccer you’ll see in this tournament…and you know what? They’re ultra effective at uglying up the game to suit their limited attacking options. Colombia is no slouch in the defensive department either, conceding the fewest goals of any side during the rigors of CONMEBOL qualifying. Los Cafeteros thought by many to be a darkhorse title contender will sorely miss the services of world class striker Radamel Falcao up front and we have to wonder how it could change their style. Call me crazy but I think these are the 2 teams we see advance to the next round and the game will feel like a heavyweight fight. Shop around for a price here with a prop being the way to go…
The Bet: Greece/Colombia U2 (-120). Exact score 0-0 should pay 6-1 and also be worth a look.
Drinking Game: Chug a beer every time you hear Falcao’s absence mentioned or the Greek team parking the bus.
8: Brazil vs Mexico June 17
There is very little drama when it comes to Brazil’s chances to advance out of group play barring a sports collapse unlike any we’ve ever seen. One major soccer index gives them a 99% probability for advancement yet advancing is not enough considering the team finishing second in Group A will probably draw defending world champ Spain in the round of 16. Mexico has been a thorn in Brazil’s side in the past, denying the ultra talented Neymar from claiming a gold medal in the last Olympics. El Tri won’t be intimidated..maybe they should be given their anemic offensive Big news out of Mexico’s camp is that talented goal scorer Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will be coming off the bench in favor of Giovanni Dos Santos and Oribe Peralta. Croatia and Cameroon have more than a fighting chance to advance meaning if Mexico could SOMEHOW steal a point against Brazil they’d be in great shape. It was hard to make a case for watching any of Brazil’s group games outside of seeing their Samba style on full display don’t get me wrong. Mexico’s defense could get exploited here and I’d be shocked if it wasn’t by the Brazilian attack, with or without a healthy Neyman
The Bet: Brazil Team Total O2
Drinking Game: Learn to make a Caipirinha, pour 1 each time they mention a former Brazilian great or pan to them in the crowd
7: Ecuador vs France June 25
Fiery and emotional doesn’t do Ecuador justice when it comes to describing their energy on the pitch. Manager Ronaldo Rueda has an offensively charged lineup with international caliber talents in Antonio Valencia and Jefferson Montero leading the charge. Defensively, well you’d hope they were a little more sure footed for the final game of the group stage but that’s not exactly their team strength. What does that mean for them? Score score and score some more especially in a game against a French side that will either be on the cusp of greatness or on the brink of collapse. France was dealt a tough blow with Frank Ribbery forced to miss the tournament because of a back injury. All of a sudden the pressure falls on Manager Didier Deschamps to captain a much better voyage than what Les Blues saw in South Africa. I’ve been slow to warm to the Ecuador party…hopefully getting on board won’t burn me in this spot.
The Bet: Ecuador +.5
Drinking game: Every time Ecuador has a “hard foul,” take a sip of beer. Finish a full beer if there’s a yellow card and polish off a 6 pack for each red.
6: Argentina vs Bosnia June 15
Debutantes on the international soccer stage at major competitions, Bosnia is looking to make a splash by qualifying for the knockout rounds. Led by all world striker Edin Dzeko, Bosnia will most likely employ a 4-5-1 formation against Argentina looking to counter La Albiceleste attacks. This game is interesting for a few reasons aside from the offensive firepower both sides possess. If you don’t know about Argentina’s attack make sure to clear your schedule because seeing the likes of Messi and Aguero up front are worth the 2 hour time investment. My lone fear in this fixture is both teams will play solely for a result understanding their next two group stage games are winnable against Nigeria & Iran. The total here at 2.5 suggests fireworks but goal differential has to be on the mind of the Dragons in this group. If they face an early deficit that could quell the potential excitement in this game with Bosnia sitting back absorbing pressure rather than letting Argentina pile up the goals. I think the dog could have legs here however I’ll make the case for dog and under being highly correlated.
The Play: Bosnia & Argentina U2.5
Drinking Game: Purchase a 6 pack of Murray’s IPA and sip leisurely throughout
5: Uruguay vs England
Repeating their run in 2020 will be difficult for an Uruguayan side that has their work cut out for them in the group stage. Mercurial striker Luis Suarez is no stranger to the English brand of football having honed his craft at Liverpool the last few seasons but enters on a surgically repaired knee that might not have him at 100% all tournament. He’ll be joined up front by another dynamic scorer in Edinson Cavani meaning they can (and will) capitalize on any mistakes from the 3 Lions back line. England knows the weakness of this aging Uruguayan side is their defense that tends to lose form against sides with capable attackers. England could come into this fixture knowing a single point will put them in good standing before a date with Costa Rica to close things out. Despite the proximity to home and a crowd that will probably be highly partisan against them, Hodgson should have a scrappy enough gameplan to keep the game low scoring with a result the ultimate quest.
Bet: England & Uruguay U2.25
Drinking game: Any time there is a mention of England’s penalty kick futility
4: Spain vs Netherlands June 13
What better way to kick off action in Group B than with a rematch of the 2010 World Cup Final. Spain has built the closest thing we may ever see to an international dynasty winning 3 major tournaments in a row in dominating fashion. The core of those teams is back with some uncertainty as to who will take the lead up front in Vicente Del Bosque’s “False 9” lineup. While the names may be the same, there is concern about the mileage on a roster that can’t be described as youthful. Conversely the Dutch will bring fire and energy with the perfect compliment of skill and energy to put pressure on the Spanish side. Robin Van Persie, Wesley Sneider, and Arjen Robben can create match-up problems for any internationally acclaimed defense but where does their support in the midfield come from? Every point will be critical in this group meaning this will be potentially be played with the conservative nature of an opening group fixture while having the same group ramifications as an elimination bout.
Bet: Holland TT Under .5
Drinking Game: Every time they reference the World Cup final of 2010 or Tika Taka soccer.
3: England vs Italy June 14
Two proud sides with a long history square off against one another with an unfamiliar backdrop for their opening match. It won’t be Wembley, the San Siro, or another cathedral of soccer but rather the gateway to the Amazon in Manaus. With searing heat and humidity expected in the 98% range, the game will boil down to which team is fitter allowing for them to avoid critical mistakes at a key juncture. Both Roy Hodgson and Cesare Prandelli realize a result at all costs given the circumstances is the name of the game. If you’re looking for wide open soccer or a barrage of scoring chances this may not be the cagey tilt to tune into yet if high stakes in unfamiliar elements tickles your fancy this game will have it.
The Bet: U2 (-130)
Drinking Game: Every time they mention Manaus or the Amazon.
2: Germany vs Portugal June 16
You’ll hear group of death about 1,000 times before the group stage culminates. Both of these elite European sides boast world class scoring talent up front giving them the personnel required to make a deep run in Brazil. Germany may be one of the only sides able to lose a player of Marco Reus’ caliber without missing a beat. The problem on the other side for Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portuguese teammates is that the midfield serving him the ball in space has nothing on the dynamic trio Joe Lowe has at his disposal. Led by Mezut Ozil, Tomas Mueller, and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germany can push tempo by imposing their will on opponents. Unlike some who see Portugal as a real threat to win the tournament, consider me skeptical given their lethargic qualifying build-up and major question marks. A win here against a heavily favored German side would put A Seleção in the driver seat for knockout qualification but it ain’t happening.
The Bet: Germany -.25
Drinking Game: Every time they mention Group of Death
1: Spain vs Chile June 18
These two teams that are no stranger to one another given their meeting in South Africa back in 2010. On that fateful evening Chile fought valiantly despite being down to 10 men before coming up a goal short in their quest to slow down the eventual champions. Chile won’t sit back against La Furia Roja like some nations will instead electing to put pressure on the ball at every opportunity. Their suspect back line may make them vulnerable to glorious scoring chances against the Tiki Taka Spanish style allowing the game to have more entertainment than almost any other group fixture. Alexis Sanchez is the name to remember here, the ultra talented scorer wants to use his international exposure in Brazil as an ultimate coming out party. Spain could potentially be too strong tactically for Chile yet this could be a prime candidate for shocking results in the early going.
The Bet: Chile +.5 and O2.5
Drink: Every time they say the word Roja
