Soccer

2014 FIFA World Cup TV schedule and matches: USA, Russia and Portugal all face crucial games

The World Cup is beginning to heat up, and the USA, Russia and Portugal all face crucial games which could decide whether they can make it into the next round, while Algeria and South Korea bid to keep their hopes alive.

by Callum Hamilton

Jun 22, 2014, 7:00 AM UTC

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Things are beginning to get serious in the 2014 World Cup.

Today brings three very important games, as firstly Belgium and Russia clash to determine who is likely to top the group and who could be heading out. Russia could only manage a 1-1 draw against South Korea, and a defeat at the hands of Belgium would leave them in serious trouble of going out in the group stages. But Belgium were rather disappointing in having to come from behind to beat Algeria - the win gives them a cushion but they will be hoping to take control of the group in what should be a very well-matched game.

Afterwards, it’s South Korea vs. Algeria in a game between the two lesser sides in the same group. Defeat for either will mean disaster, so it will be a case of two minnows desperately battling to keep their hopes alive going into the final group stage game. Both were promising in their opening game, the Koreans gaining a creditable draw against a Russia team that had been ruthlessly efficient in qualifying, while Algeria were unlucky to lose to Belgium. If either team wins, it could be a very interesting final round of matches.

Lastly, it's probably the most important game of the day as the USA take on Portugal. The USA are on a high after finally beating Ghana, and Portugal are at a low after being thrashed by Germany and losing several players to injury and suspension. Cristiano Ronaldo could even be among them, as questions remain over his fitness and availability, which will likely dominate the pre-match buildup, but if Portugal lose they are out of the tournament. A draw would keep their hopes alive, but only just, while the USA can qualify with a win, but will be needing a result against Germany should they fail to do so. This one is effectively a knockout game.