Binge Media Sports: 2014 FIFA World Cup-Group G & Group H
Welcome to the last day of group coverage before the four year wait is over and we can get this thing rolling. Today, Binge Media Sports focuses on the last two groups, Group G and Group H. Let’s get to it.
GROUP G
TV SCHEDULE
Monday, June 16-Germany v. Portugal-Noon Eastern/11:00 Central-ESPN
Monday, June 16-Ghana v. United States-6:00 Eastern/5:00 Central-ESPN
Saturday, June 21-Germany v. Ghana-3:00 Eastern/2:00 Central-ESPN
Sunday, June 22-United States v. Portugal-6:00 Eastern/5:00 Central-ESPN
Thursday, June 26-United States v. Germany-Noon Eastern/11:00 Central-ESPN
Thursday, June 26-Portugal v. Ghana-Noon Eastern/11:00 Central-ESPN2
GROUP PREVIEW: Group G is full of big name teams, big name stars, and is considered to be this year’s “group of death”. It features an overall tournament favorite, arguably the world’s most recognizable player, the most successful African team in recent years, and of course, our beloved United States team.
Germany comes into Brazil as a favorite to not only win Group G, but possibly the World Cup. Reaching at least the semifinals in the last four major tournaments and having scored 36 goals in 10 qualifiers, the Germans are certainly looking to take the next step this time around. But an injury to star Marco Reus will leave a hole in the offense, leaving Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, and Mario Gotze to pick up the slack.
Portugal enters this World Cup with a No. 3 World Ranking and will rely on the world’s biggest star, Cristiano Ronaldo, to lead them to the round of 16. They’ve played Germany in three of the last four major tournaments, with Germany winning each time, so they’ll be looking for better results when they meet this time around. They’ll need a strong showing against their familiar foe to help their chances of advancing.
Ghana enters this year’s tournament off of a strong quarterfinal run in South Africa four years ago, knocking off the U.S. along the way. It took penalty kicks to knock them out four years ago, and they’ll look to build more momentum after two strong showings in 2006 and 2010. Kevin-Prince Boateng and Kwadwo Asamoah will be looking to make sure that Ghana isn’t overlooked in this tough group.
And of course, our beloved team from the United States. Landon Donovan isn’t here. We know. But the U.S. has played pretty well as of late, losing only one of their last nine qualifiers. They won’t be able to advance on talent alone, but their toughness is what keeps them in games. They’ll be looking to have better luck against Ghana, who has knocked them out of the last two World Cups. And their June 26th match against Germany on the last day of group play may determine whether or not the U.S. can advance to the knockout stage. Jozy Alzidore just had a great game and the U.S. does have some very young players on this team, and will look to veterans Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey to lead them.
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GROUP H
TV SCHEDULE
Tuesday, June 17-Belgium v. Algeria-Noon Eastern/11:00 Central-ESPN
Tuesday, June 17-Russia v. South Korea-6:00 Eastern/5:00 Central-ESPN
Sunday, June 22-Belgium v. Russia-Noon Eastern/11:00 Central-ABC
Sunday, June 22-South Korea v. Algeria-3:00 Eastern/2:00 Central-ABC
Thursday, June 26-South Korea v. Belgium-4:00 Eastern/3:00 Central-ESPN
Thursday, June 26-Algeria v. Russia-4:00 Eastern/3:00 Central-ESPN2
GROUP PREVIEW: Group H certainly isn’t the strongest group in the field, but could still provide some decent matches throughout the first two weeks.
Belgium has to be the favorite here. They eased through qualifying on their way to Brazil, but inexperience on the world stage may hinder any kind of deep run in this tournament. Barring any big upsets, Belgium should be able to move on to the knockout stage. They can score goals in a hurry and Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Marouane Fellaini will lead the way for the Belgians.
Russia definitely wants a good showing before hosting the World Cup in 2018 and actually did finish ahead of Portugal in its qualifying group. They play solid defense in front of highly touted goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev and only allowed five goals in ten qualifiers. The winner of this group could very well be decided in their match with Belgium on June 22nd.
South Korea enters its eighth consecutive World Cup, but they weren’t that great in qualifying. They’re loaded with scorers, but their inexperience as a complete unit will definitely come into play here. Kim Bo-Kyung, Koo Ja-Cheol, and Park Chu-Young will try to work some of the same magic that coach Hong Myung-Bo used in South Korea’s 4th place finish in 2002.
Algeria rounds out the field of 32 and they’ll certainly be looking to improve upon their 2010 tourney in which they scored zero goals. Their defense isn’t great, but Sofiane Feghouli and Saphir Taider will do their best to keep the Algerians in some games, but three matches is likely all they’ll see.
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You now have all the information you need for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Hopefully, you’ve seen all of my other group previews and made your picks, but if not, click HERE for a preview of Group A and Group B, HERE for a preview of Group C and Group D, and HERE for a look at Group E and Group F. I’ll check back in before the start of the knockout stage to see how you did. Remember, action starts tomorrow as the host country Brazil takes on Croatia at 4:00 Eastern time/3:00 Central on ESPN. I have a feeling we’re in for quite a ride these first two weeks. There are few sporting events that match the intensity and worldwide following of the World Cup. If you’d like to defend all the picks you’ve made, please comment below. Or better yet, follow me and tweet @THElukenorris.