What a Sunday for the tournament, with a six-goal thriller and the United States-Portugal draw making up for a yawner between Belgium and Russia.
It’s going to be difficult to top Sunday’s World Cup action, though the concurrent group finales will help. Let’s take a look at what’s in store today:
[ MORE: How the U.S. can advance ]
[ MORE: Soccerly covers the World Cup ]
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MATCH 35: AUSTRALIA VS. SPAIN
Location: Arena da Baixada, Curitiba
Time: Noon ET
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Cheater’s Guide
Does it mean anything to Spain? Because an exuberant Socceroos side would be thrilled to knock off the reigning champs and kick them while down. Neither team can advance to the knockout rounds.
What they’re saying
Koke on Spain looking to set standard for future winners: “It’s very difficult to achieve what this group have achieved, but a new generation full of strength and hope is coming through, and why can’t we dream of doing that? I’m just one more player that’s going to fight for his national team and for his country.”
History
The two nations have never met.
Premier League Players
Australia: Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace)
Spain: David de Gea (Manchester United), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), David Silva (Manchester City), Fernando Torres(Chelsea)
Major League Soccer players:
Australia: Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls)
Spain: David Villa (New York City FC)
RELATED: World Cup news, analysis from Soccerly
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FILE - In this Monday, June 10, 2013 file photo, Netherlands’ coach Louis van Gaal reacts during practice a day before a friendly soccer match against the Chinese national team at the Worker’s Stadium in Beijing, China. Manchester United has hired Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal as the clubs new manager it was announced on Monday, May 19, 2014. Van Gaal, who will leave his position with the Dutch after the upcoming World Cup in Brazil, replaces David Moyes following his firing last month after just 10 months in charge. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File) AP
Location: Arena de São Paulo, São Paulo
Time: Noon ET
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Cheater’s guide
The fight for the right to avoid Brazil. A Robin van Persie-less Netherlands will duke it out with a hobbled-Arturo Vidal and Chile, as two teams set for the knockout rounds jockey for position. Loser likely gets the host nation. Winner likely faces Mexico or Croatia.
What they’re saying
Chile’s Arturo Vidal when asked if the club is looking ahead to a potential match-up with Brazil: “It is difficult to talk about Brazil because before that we have a match much more important. Tomorrow we will have to play to win. If we play the same way as against Spain, we can make it all the way to final, but of course you have to prove that you really live up to your own expectations.”
History
The two nations have never met.
Premier League players
Netherlands: Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
Chile: None
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Location: Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasília
Time: 4pm ET
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Cheater’s Guide
Can Cameroon salvage some pride with a shocking upset of the tournament’s hosts? It would be unlikely on so many levels (one being the officials), but all eyes will be on Brazil as they look to win Group A after a mid-group stumble draw against Mexico.
What they’re saying
Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari on the opponent fiasco: “You have to win the match, you have to advance to the next round. Some people have been saying that we might consider playing to choose our opponent, but they are either stupid or ill-intentioned. We have to play to advance, not to choose anything. We have to play to win.”
History
Brazil has won three of four matches against Cameroon, though the visitors won in the last tilt (2003 Confederations Cup).
Premier League Players
Brazil: David Luiz (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea), Ramires (Chelsea), Willian (Chelsea), Paulinho (Tottenham), Fernandinho (Manchester City)
Cameroon: Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Queens Park Rangers)
Did you know: every player in the Russia squad plays their club soccer inside the country?
RELATED: World Cup news, analysis from Soccerly
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Location: Arena Pernambuco, Recife
Time: 4pm ET
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Cheater’s guide
Mexico looks to strike another blow for CONCACAF, as a draw or win would put them through. The Croatians look to set right their loss against Brazil, which is still a flashpoint for controversy at home.
What they’re saying
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera will go for a W: “We are not going to think about a tie, our intention is to win. Of course if we end up with a draw, we progress anyway and so we would be happy, but if you go into a game thinking about a tie you are most likely going to lose. The idea is to look for a win, stay intense. We know that Croatia has to win, so that should open up space for us. If we know that they have to attack us, we should be able to take advantage.”
History
Croatia has won two of three, but Mexico won the last meeting in the 2002 World Cup.
Premier League players
Mexico: Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez (Manchester United)
Croatia: Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Nikica Jelavić (Hull City)
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