World Cup Groups 2014: Forecasting the Most Pivotal Fixtures of Early Stages
Do you have 4,320 minutes free over the next two weeks?
Chances are you don't, so you'll miss at least one or two of the 48 group-stage matches at the 2014 World Cup.
Time management will be important for the tournament. If you can't catch every match, you at least want to check out the most important ones.
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The four matches below are some of the most interesting and could have the biggest ramifications for the next stage. You can see the full list of fixtures at FIFA.com.
Spain vs. Netherlands
Much like the 2010 World Cup final, the Netherlands can't afford to try to beat Spain at its own game. The Dutch must be pragmatic, perhaps just not to the extreme that Bert van Marwijk deployed four years ago.
The problem is whether coach Louis van Gaal has it in him to abandon any semblance of an attacking style. He is a bit more pragmatic than some give him credit for, and he has toyed with a five-man back line in friendlies.
But defense is anathema for a man lauded for his 4-3-3 attacking style.
Vicente del Bosque, on the other hand, has already shown an ability to win ugly. He will be careful not to have his team ripped apart by its opponents on the counter.
"We don't have any fear. But we do have respect," he said of the Dutch, per FIFA.com. "They are runner-up from the last World Cup so we have full respect for Holland."
Spain will control possession and slowly suffocate the Dutch. The absence of Kevin Strootman will be felt in a big way, as the Netherlands will struggle to create anything through the middle, much as it did at Euro 2012.
Final Score: Spain 1, Netherlands 0
Uruguay vs. England
This match will likely decide who will be joining Italy in the knockout stages from Group D.
Uruguay will need Luis Suarez healthy, because without him in the lineup, it has to rely on Diego Forlan to complement Edinson Cavani. Forlan was a driving force of the team four years ago, but at 35 years old, he's a shell of his former self.
Cristian Rodriguez revealed how hard the Liverpool forward is working to get back in time.
"He is very focused," he said, per The Guardian. "He is working in double and triple shifts and we hope to have him with us soon."
Of course, Roy Hodgson is dealing with striker problems of his own, with some supporters calling for Wayne Rooney to be dropped.
Manchester United coach Phil Neville disagrees:
England has generally been an unadventurous team at the last few international tournaments, and this one shouldn't be any different.
What could make a big difference in this match is how the first round of fixtures go. If Uruguay beats Costa Rica and Italy beats England, the Three Lions will have to go on the offensive. A draw wouldn't be enough.
As long as Suarez is close to his best, La Celeste will get the three points. The Uruguayan defense is aging but remains steadfast and isn't broken on the counter.
Oscar Tabarez knows his squad's limitations, so he won't take any unnecessary risks.
Final score: Uruguay 1, England 0
Croatia vs. Mexico
Few midfields will be more fun to watch than Croatia's. With Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric playing in central midfield and Mateo Kovacic in behind the strikers, Niko Kovac needn't worry about his team creating chances.
Of course, the problem is that none of those players can be counted upon to contribute much defensively. Croatia lacks a ball-winner who can break up the opposition's attacks.
Mexico has looked equal parts good and bad in qualification. Miguel Herrera inspired a positive turnaround, but El Tri's friendly losses to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Portugal don't inspire a ton of confidence.
This match will likely decide who joins Brazil in the knockout stages from Group A.
Playing Rafa Marquez at the back could be a disaster. Even if Herrera plays three defenders through the center, the defensive frailties remain.
Mario Mandzukic will have served his suspension and gotten a match under his belt to get back into the swing of things. Mandzukic's constant pressing will force El Tri into making a costly mistake, and from there, the Croatians will hold Mexico at bay.
Final Score: Croatia 2, Mexico 0
Greece vs. Cote d'Ivoire
Fernando Santos won't be reinventing the wheel with the Greece national team. It will play defensively and hope to steal a goal on the counter.
The trouble for the Greeks comes from conceding first. Kostas Mitroglou was thought to be the kind of center forward who could offer a different dimension, but his lack of playing time at Fulham means he's woefully lacking match fitness.
Cote d'Ivoire, on the other hand, has plenty of talented options up front between Didier Drogba, Wilfried Bony, Salomon Kalou and Gervinho. Drogba is aging at 36, but with that kind of support, he doesn't have to be the talisman he was in years past.
Although Cote d'Ivoire has problems at the back, those might not be exposed against a defensive side such as Greece.
If Les Elephants do score first, this one could get ugly. Greece couldn't then afford to sit back, and when it throws men forward, it'll get ripped apart on the counter.
Final Score: Cote d'Ivoire 3, Greece 1
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