World Cup 2014: Live Stream, Predictions, Preview for Day 10 Fixtures in Brazil
Over half of the 2014 World Cup group stage matches have been played, with several teams (including the defending champions, Spain) already forced to pack their bags ahead of their final fixtures.
Several teams will be fighting to keep their World Cup hopes alive on Saturday, while favourites like Argentina and Germany could book their spot in the knockout stages.
Saturday promises to be another day of high drama and top-class football, so let's have a look at Matchday 10's schedule, including full TV and live stream info.
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| 5 p.m. | 12 p.m. | Argentina v Iran | ESPN/ITV | WatchESPN/ITV Player |
| 8 p.m. | 3 p.m. | Germany v Ghana | ESPN/BBC1 | WatchESPN/BBC iPlayer |
| 11 p.m. | 6 p.m. | Nigeria v Bosnia | ESPN/BBC1 | WatchESPN/BBC iPlayer |
Argentina vs. Iran
The Iranian team played in what was arguably the least entertaining match of the opening round, a drab 0-0 draw against Nigeria.
Iran have a solid defensive foundation and they execute to perfection, but against a very underwhelming Nigerian team, they displayed a general lack of pure quality on the pitch. There's no striker or midfielder able to step up and make something happen, and as a result, the team will struggle for creativity.
Things didn't go as smoothly as the Albiceleste would have hoped during their 2-1 opening win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the defence once again proving itself to be a major weakness.
The good news is that Iran won't be pushing the ball up the field in the way Bosnia did, and with less pressure on the back line, Argentina will be able to take full advantage of their supreme talented group of attackers.
Alejandro Sabella will instruct the group of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria to use every bit of individual trickery they can conjure up to overcome a tough Iranian side, who he credited during a press conference, per ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney:
The Albiceleste have displayed some weaknesses on the counter, including the goal they conceded against Bosnia, so Iran won't be without a chance in this one.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Iran
Germany vs. Ghana
No team dominated their opening round fixture more than the Germans, and while they were aided by a dumb dismissal that gave them a man advantage for the entire second half, there's no denying the form they seem to be in.
The ball-heavy approach and constant movement of Thomas Mueller and Mario Goetze didn't seem affected by the Brazilian heat, and the same formula is the one they will use against a Ghanaian team struggling to hold down the centre of the pitch.
The Black Stars knew they had to beat the USA to have a realistic shot at surviving the group stages, but an early deficit completely shook up their tactics. Ghana failed to assert themselves in the midfield battle and couldn't take advantage of the spaces out wide, their crosses rarely finding their mark.
Die Mannschaft will put even more bodies in the centre of the pitch and press high to give Ghana little time to move the ball forward, and the Africans' best chance at winning will be in the one-on-one battles out wide.
Germany like to attack, and while their defence has shown no signs of weakness yet, a high line means it is susceptible to balls over the top.
Prediction: Germany 3-0 Ghana
Nigeria vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia couldn't have asked for a much harder opponent in their very first World Cup appearance, but the 2-1 loss to Argentina showed tremendous signs for the future for this young team.
They played fearless, possession-based football, they never panicked and were able to shut down the Argentine attack for most of the night, the only exception being a magical run-and-shoot goal from Messi.
Despite the loss, Bosnia will have taken a lot of positives from that match. Nigeria may have recorded one more point in their opening fixture, but instead of positives, they were left with a number of questions.
The Super Eagles didn't move well against Iran, and their forwards were completely isolated because of it. Despite winning the battle out wide, Victor Moses and company were unable to put in more than one or two meaningful crosses.
Nigeria clearly fielded the more talented group of players, but they never looked like a team. Tactically, their 0-0 draw with Iran was a complete mess, and they will need to turn things around fast if they wish to do better against a vibrant Bosnian team.
Prediction: Nigeria 1-2 Bosnia-Herzegovina
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