Friday, the ninth day of the 2014 World Cup, features two matches between unbeaten teams and a fight for survival between two sides with no points.
World Cup 2014 group stage matches and TV schedule: Two matches between unbeaten teams highlight the day
Italy’s match against Costa Rica and Switzerland vs. France could decide who wins their respective groups.
Claudio Villa
Group D wraps up its second round of matches in the early game when Italy faces off against Costa Rica at noon ET. While many expected the Italians to have three points after the first match, the Ticos leading the group (on differential) is a bit more surprising.. Costa Rica were excellent against Uruguay, picking up a thoroughly deserved 3-1 win, but Italy will provide a different type of challenge for them.
More importantly: Andrea Pirlo.
The day's second match, set for 3:00 p.m., will feature to the two top teams from Group E as Switzerland and France meet in a match that will likely determine who finishes top in the group. The Swiss squeaked by Ecuador in their opener on a 93rd minute goal from Haris Seferović, while France hammered Honduras. Three points for either side guarantees them a spot in the Round of 16 along with avoiding powerful Argentina in that round in all likelihood.
Finally at 6:00 p.m. it’s a battle for survival between Honduras and Ecuador. The loser will be eliminated from the World Cup, while the winner will stay alive a little longer. A draw would mean both teams would be unable to advance to the next round. Ecuador are definitely the favorites after their solid performance against the Swiss, but Honduras will likely be out to prove they’re a better team than they showed against France.
Schedule
Italy vs. Costa Rica - Noon ET, ESPN
Switzerland vs. France - 3 p.m. ET, ESPN
Honduras vs. Ecuador - 6 p.m. ET, ESPN
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