By RYAN TOLMICH
After struggling for most of their World Cup opener, Belgium’s “golden generation” hope that they can put together a complete performance when they take the field at the Maracana.
In Group H action, the group favorites look to solidify their dominance when they take on Russia on Sunday afternoon. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots is making three changes to the starting eleven, inserting both goal scorers Dries Mertens and Marouane Fellaini. The Belgians will face a tough test however, as opening up Fabio Capello’s Russian defense is no small task.
South Korea and Algeria will also look to insert themselves back into the Group H discussion. Both sides are one win away from potentially seizing command of a spot in the next round, so Group H’s two less-heralded sides will have plenty to play for. Look for both sides to embrace the need for three points and put forth a more attacking effort than their tournament opener.
Finally, the U.S. Men’s National Team will take on Portugal with a chance to earn a spot in the knockout round. A U.S. victory will be enough to seal advancement while also eliminating Portugal from the tournament. However, a Portugal victory will throw Group G into chaos with everything to be decided in the group’s final day.
If you will be watching today’s matches, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (TV listings after the jump):
TODAY’S WORLD CUP SOCCER ON TV
12 p.m. – Belgium vs. Russia – ABC
3 p.m. – South Korea vs. Algeria – ABC
6 p.m. – United States vs. Portugal – ESPN