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Yesterday recap
Spain 3 Australia 0
It took three games for Spain to get back into form but unfortunately it was too little too late. In a seemingly meaningless game, Spain boosted some morale and fought hard against the goal-less Aussies. Both teams will be flying home, missing a chance to advance to the Round of 16.
Netherlands 2 Chile 0
And the Netherlands clinched the one seed in Group B with a win, assuring that they won't have to face Brazil. Chile's spark was halted by the Dutch, who rolled to a two goal victory at the hands (or feet rather) of Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay who netted the only goals of the match for the Orangemen.
Brazil 4 Cameroon 1
Brazil moved on with the victory and is set to play Chile in a South America showdown. Cameroon had a terribly poor showing the World Cup, only scoring one goal in three matches and having a goal differential of -7 overall. Neymar proved he is one of the best with his two goals in the match.
Mexico 3 Croatia 1
In a do-or-die game for Mexico, they shined, sailing to a two goal win over Croatia. All of the goals in the game came in the second half, as Mexico jumped out to a three goal lead until Perisic ruined the clean sheet from Guillermo Ochoa. Mexico is set to play a very tough Netherlands team in the next round.
Today's matchups
Costa Rica and England square off in each of the team's final games of the opening round. Costa Rica continued to stun the world after beating Italy and Uruguay and leading Group D which features three previous World Cup winners. England disappointingly is headed back to the UK regardless of the result of this game, but will likely play with a huge chip on their shoulder.
Italy and Uruguay face off in a winner-take-all game at noon. If there is a draw, the tiebreaker of goal differential sides in Uruguay's favor. Costa Rica is a lock for Group D, but Italy or Uruguay have a chance to advance still. Folks, this one will be a classic and definitely worth watching.
Greece and Ivory Coast go head to head in a decisive match to see who advances. Greece needs to pull out a win while Ivory Coast controls their own destiny and can advance with a win. If Ivory Coast ties, and Japan wins by more than one goal, then Japan will advance. Greece can advance with a win and a Japanese loss.
Colombia has been a force in the World Cup, and they play their finale against Japan. Group C's second place is wide open, but Japan needs a win to stay in contention, a tie will not suffice. Colombia is showing off their adversity, stunning the world with their play even without superstar Falcao.
Players to watch
Costa Rica: #9 Joel Campbell, forward
England: #10 Wayne Rooney, forward
Uruguay: #9 Luis Suarez, forward
Italy: #9 Mario Balotelli, forward
Greece: #7 Georgios Samaras, forward
Ivory Coast: #19 Yaya Toure, midfielder
Colombia: #10 James Rodriguez, midfielder
Japan: #10 Shinji Kagawa, midfielder
Date, time and location
June 24th, 12:00 p.m., Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte (Costa Rica v. England) Group D, ESPN2
June 24th, 12:00 p.m., Estádio das Dunas, Natal (Italy v. Uruguay) Group D, ESPN
June 24th, 4:00 p.m., Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza (Greece v. Ivory Coast) Group C, ESPN2
June 24th, 4:00 p.m., Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá (Japan v. Colombia) Group C, ESPN