World's biggest sporting spectacle is just a day away and fans all around the world are gearing up to see their favourite teams and superstars in action. If you can't watch them all or the ones you can't see live, here's a guide to the most intriguing and entertaining matches to watch during the group stage.
Brazil vs Croatia, June 13, 1:30 am IST
If you are a football fanatic, surely you won't want to miss the opening match of the World Cup 2014. Traditionally, the host team plays in the World Cup opener. So it will be Brazil, the third-ranked team, up against Croatia. The Brazilian fans will get an early chance to see if the Samba boys really can deliver with a nation's hopes attached to them. The match will showcase Brazil's star-studded line-up featuring Neymar, Hulk, Fred, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Oscar and plenty more. So be prepared to see the ball rolling for the first time at FIFA 2014.
Spain vs Netherlands, June 14, 00:30 am IST
It doesn't get better than this - 2010 World Cup finalist will be up against each other in Group B opener. Spain enter the competition as the top-ranked team in the world while the Netherlands are 15th - but don't write them off just because of their rank. Oranje's big three - Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie - can give any team a run for the money, and Louis van Gaal's men will be hoping for revenge against the defending champions. On the other hands, the star studded Spain will once again look to entertain the crowd with one-touch football - 'tiki taka'.
England vs Italy, June 15, 3:30 am IST
This will be a match of great importance for both the teams as the duo are in 'Group of Death' along with the likes of Uruguay and Costa Rica. Given Uruguay's attacking power and the difficulties European nations traditionally suffer in South America, an early result here by either nation will be crucial for either of them to advance from the group stage. England once again come in the tournament with high expectations and on the other hand Italy will once again rely on their defence and midfield to go a long way in the tournament. For football fans, this one surely is a must watch.
Argentina vs Bosnia-Herzegovina, June 16, 3:30 am IST
If the team consists of Lionel Messi, you just can't give match a miss. If he is not enough, then try the likes of Sergio Aguero, Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain. The fantastic four can provide viewers with entertainment of the highest quality. Messi - for once - didn't have the best of domestic seasons, struggling with injury and form, but he will be all geared up for the biggest occasion of his football career. On the other hand, Bosnia offer stiffer opposition and will be no walkover for the two-time World Champions.
Germany vs Portugal, June 16, 9:30 pm IST
Another clash between two heavyweights. Germany are one of the most exciting teams to watch in this World Cup and are considered by many to go all the way. On the other hand, Portugal will depend on superstar captain Cristano Ronaldo and Manchester United winger Nani to hit them on counter. The tie will be of great importance as both the teams will be looking to start their campaign with a win.
Uruguay vs England, June 20, 00:30 am IST
Depending on the result of their match against Italy, the prospects of progression for Roy Hodgson's Three Lions could well lie on beating Uruguay. England defenders will have their hands full. Suarez, Cavani and Forlan form a dream strike force; and England's relatively inexperienced back four will have their task cut out. Suarez especially is familiar with the likes of Leighton Baines and Jonson and Gary Cahill with his time at Liverpool.
Belgium vs Russia June 22, 9:30 pm IST
Many people's dark horses, Belgium boast of a stellar line-up of Premiership stars, led by Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Maroune Fellaini. Their second group game against an organised Russian side will be the test to see whether they are the real deal or not. Marc Wilmots has an embarrassment of riches all across his line-up, from Thibaut Courtois to Romelu Lukaku - Belgium on their day can upset even the biggest of teams.
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