Now we are rolling. Five games are coming your way at 9 a.m. ET, 12 p.m. ET, 3 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET today from EURO 2016 and Copa America Centenario.
Life is good.
[ LIVE: Follow EURO 2016 ]
There’s both Group A and Group B action in France as England vs. Russia is the headline event, while in the Copa America the U.S. face Paraguay in a must-win encounter in Philly. If the U.S. win, they’re in the quarterfinals.
[ LIVE: Follow Copa America 2016 ]
Here’s a look at the main storylines from all five games.
Essential reading: How will USMNT line up for Paraguay clash?... Can England finally make a big splash with their youngsters?
ICYMI: Dimitri Payet scores sensational goal to hand France late win in EURO 2016 opener.
EURO 2016, Game 2: Albania vs. Switzerland
When: Saturday, 9 a.m. ET
Where: Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens
Live updates: NBCSports.com
After France beat Romania in the opener, whoever wins this will take a big step with Les Bleus towards making the knockout rounds. Switzerland is lead by Xherdan Shaqiri but also look out for an intriguing battle as one of each of the Xhaka brothers plays for each national team. That’s the first time that’s ever happened in the Euros.
EURO 2016, Game 3: Wales vs. Slovakia
When: Saturday, 12 p.m. ET
Where: Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
Live updates: NBCSports.com
Wales will lean heavily, as always, on Gareth Bale to get them through this tournament. Chris Coleman’s side have qualified for the Euros for the first-time in their history but will be underdogs to make it out of Group B. Win against Slovakia and they’ll boost their chances significantly. Martin Skrtel skippers Slovakia and they will be a tough unit to break down.
EURO 2016, Game 4: England vs. Russia
When: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET
Where: Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Live updates: NBCSports.com
The build up to this game has been marred by violence in the streets of Marseille between England’s fans, locals and police. On the pitch the Three Lions will be the favorites to take down Russia but this will be a tough opener for Wayne Rooney and Co. Russia is a stubborn side who will bunker in and look to score off set pieces. Can England’s youngsters begin EURO 2016 with a bang?
Copa America, Game 17: USA vs. Paraguay
When: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Live updates: NBCSports.com
The equation is simple for the USMNT: win and you’re in the quarterfinals. Even if Jurgen Klinsmann’s side draw they likely go through as Costa Rica would need to beat Colombia in a six-goal swing. The U.S. will likely stick with the same lineup which saw them batter Costa Rica in midweek, while Paraguay knows a win would not only likely send them through to the quarterfinals but it would also boot the host nation out. This is basically a knockout game.
Copa America, Game 18: Colombia vs. Costa Rica
When: Saturday, 9 p.m. ET
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Live updates: NBCSports.com
Colombia is already through and they need just a point to secure top spot in the group. Jose Pekerman may rest a few starters with James Rodriguez shaking off an injury to play in Game 2 but with qualification to the knockout rounds secure, Los Cafeteros will be taking no risks. Costa Rica needs a big, big win to have any chance of advancing.