Today's Featured Game:
USA vs Portugal
The United States are coming off a dramatic win against Ghana. If they are able to grab a win in this match against Portugal they will guarantee themselves qualification for the round of 16, which would make the final match against Germany a whole lot less nerve-racking. The US didn't look all that impressive in the victory over Ghana, but they showed they can grind out a result. In a match against a much more potent Portuguese attack, the US cannot just invite pressure like they did against Ghana. The US need to get control of the game starting in the midfield. Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones will play huge roles in today's game. If the United States can possess the ball they can limit the touches Ronaldo gets. Building their attacks from the midfield is also going to be a key in this match. Without Jozy Altidore up top the US lack a big man who can hold up the play. Because of this the US will have to spread the field and thin out the defense. A win will put the US through, but a draw would be okay as well. It wouldn't put them through, but if they lose this match they will need to beat Germany in their final match to go through.
Portugal were on the wrong end of a 4-0 rout in their opening game against Germany. Not only did they lose the game, they also lost Fabio Coentrão and Hugo Almeida to injury in their opener. In addition to those injuries, Portugal will be without starting center back Pepe due to a red card he picked up for a head-but on Germany's Thomas Muller. With 2 starting defenders missing from the lineup before the game even starts, the Portuguese will need to be careful not to get caught exposed. Portugal's game play will be to feed Ronaldo on the wing. His combination of speed and strength make it almost impossible to keep him quiet for an entire match. Portugal are eliminated with a loss in this match, so going up against the back-to-back World War champs, they'll need Ronaldo to come up big.
Players to Watch:
USA
Tim Howard (Goalkeeper) - Howard kept the US in their opening match with a string of wonderful saves. He will have to be even better to keep Ronaldo and co. out of the net. If the US is going to get any points out of this match it will be largely due to Tim Howard.
Jermaine Jones (Midfielder) - Jones doesn't play the most attractive style of football, but the work he puts in is absolutely vital. His role in the midfield in breaking up the Portuguese attack will be a big factor in this game. He, Michael Bradley, and Kyle Beckerman will need to control the game from the middle of the pitch if the US want to win.
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo (Forward) - The reigning best player in the world leads the line for Portugal. Reports say he isn't at 100% but that doesn't change the fact that he is the catalyst for the European side. He wants the ball all the time, and he'll get it. His battle with the fullback on the left side of the field will be a tipping point in this match.
Joao Moutinho (Midfielder) - The best midfielder that Portugal have. His passing and vision to set up the attacking players will cause problems for the USA back four. If he gets time on the ball he has the ability to pick out the killer pass. His battle with the US midfield will be crucial for this match.
Game Prediction:
I think the USA will come out and play incredibly well in this match. They will hold their own against a very capable Portugal team. Ronaldo will be the factor that decides the game. If he plays like he did against Germany, the USA could come away with a win in this match. If Ronaldo is on point, it will take a massive effort from the US back line to keep him off the scoresheet.
Score Prediction:
USA 2 Portugal 2
Russia vs Belgium
The two best teams in group H looked unimpressive in their openers. Belgium managed to find another gear late on and beat Algeria. Russia needed late heroics as well to manage a draw with Korea. Belgium have elite players, but the team isn't equal to the sum of its parts. When playing for the national side the players don't live up to the hype, at least not yet. If the players begin to click, they are an extremely dangerous team. Russia are a strong side. They don't have any big name players but as a unit they are strong. A solid back line will keep them in this game, but I think Belgium will break them down.
Belgium 2 Russia 1
South Korea vs Algeria
Neither team were able to win their opening match so this game is absolutely vital for survival. Both teams looked positive in their respective games, but if they don't come away from this game with a win, qualification will be impossible. I think Algeria will be able to deal with this Korean side who struggle going forward.
Algeria 2 South Korea 0
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