Little League World Series 2012 Live Stream: Online Viewing Guide

The 2012 Little League World Series is set to begin on Thursday in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Hundreds of excited players and thousands of anxious parents and family members will flock to Howard J. Lamade Stadium to determine which team will walk away LLWS champions in 2012. 

This year's tournament marks the 66th edition of the youth baseball classic and is sure to entertain and thrill fans of all ages.

Here is everything you need to know to make sure that you don't miss a minute of the action this summer.

When: Thursday, August 16 to Sunday, August 26

Where: Volunteer Stadium and Howard J. Lamade Stadium, Williamsport, PA 

Watch: ABC, ESPN and ESPN2

Live Stream: ESPN3.com.

View Online With ESPN3

LLWS fans can stream just about every game live online at ESPN3.com this August. ESPN3 even allows viewers to change back and forth from game to game so they can catch all of the latest action from Williamsport.

*Click Here to View the Full Tournament Schedule (Courtesy of LittleLeague.org).

Matchups to Watch For

Tokyo, Japan vs. Willemstad, Curacao

Japan nearly won it all last year, but fell short in the championship game to Huntington Beach, California. Japan's bitter 2-1 defeat will certainly be a topic of conversation when they face off with the Caribbean side Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET. 

The Japanese steamrolled the Caribbean at last year's tournament, winning 12-1 on the opening day of the tournament from Williamsport. Thursday will offer up a sweet opportunity for revenge for the Caribbean, who are surely aware of their opponent's little league prowess.

Petaluma, California vs. Fairfield, Connecticut

Petaluma will be under plenty of pressure to follow in the footsteps of Huntington Beach this year, when they take on New England's Fairfield, Connecticut squad. Both regions produce exceptional baseball talent and should be a factor until the very end. 

Thursday's 3 p.m. ET matchup at Howard J. Lamade Stadium will provide fans and viewers with an early look at two teams that could potentially walk away with the title in 2012.

The winner of this All-American showdown may very well follow in the path of Huntington Beach. 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter For More LLWS Reaction and Analysis All Summer Long.