Today’s the day! Until July 13th, all the world’s eyes will be focused on Brazil as the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off.
In spite of being 5 time winners, Brazil are hosting for only the second time, last hosting the finals in 1950. Brazil ran an uncontested bid for the tournament when FIFA decried that the World Cup would return South American for the first time since Argentina 1978.
Thirty-one countries are traveling to join hosts Brazil in the 12 host cities around the country. In addition to hosts, Brazil, defending champions Spain and all 6 of the past World Cup winners; Argentina, England, France, Germany, Italy and Uruguay, have qualified for these matches. While most European teams have hoisted the cup, the last 4 tournaments hosted in South America have been won by a South American team so they will be facing a tough challenge to beat the formidable teams from the host continent.
These are expected to be the most watch, most tweeted and possibly the most attended World Cup ever. Nearly a billion people watched the last World Cup, South Africa 2010. While every moment of the World Cup will be broadcast on television, online, radio and even social media it can be overwhelming. Here’s my thoughts on a few of the key matches if you can only catch one or two per day during the first weeks’ qualification rounds: (Local Pacific Time)
June 12: Brazil vs Croatia (1pm) opening day, just one match
June 13: Spain vs Netherlands (noon) a rematch of the 2010 final
June 14: England vs Italy (3pm) both iconic teams are in a tough Group D
June 15: Argentina vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (3pm) first ever appearance at the World Cup for Bosnia-Herzegovina
June 16: Germany vs Portugal (9am) how this these European powerhouses fare in the South American climate?
June 17: Russian vs South Korea (3pm) a tough day to choose just one but should be interesting to see how Russia, the next host country fare are this tournament.
June 18: Australia vs Netherlands (9am) another tough day, but with the Socceroos in a hard group, this might be their moment to shine.
June 19: Uruguay vs England (noon) two former winners trying to live up to their country’s expectation.
June 20: Honduras vs Ecuador (3pm) one of these two teams are likely to advance from the group stage, this match could decide
June 21: Argentina vs Iran (9am) a chance for Whitecaps fans to see Steven Beitashour compete on the World stage
June 22: USA vs Portugal (3pm) USA are on a roll this year, is Portugal fit enough for the challenge?
June 23 – 26: the final match days of the round sees each Group match played at the same time due to their importance. However, some Groups’ outcomes will already be decided and some will depend on these matches. You’ll have to check the bracket to see which matches matter. There’s guaranteed to be excitement!
For a full schedule visit cbc.ca
Hope you enjoy the World Cup! Olé, Olé, Olé