World Cup Daily: Matches and storylines for June 15
Spain and Belgium get their World Cup dreams started on Monday, as we all do quick Google searching of Cabo Verde. Get ready for matches from 11 am to 10 pm on a work day!
We finally had some blowouts! Sunday gave us some temporary excitement with a Curaçao equalizer before Germany scored six straight (!) to equal its 7-1 margin from the 2014 semifinal against Brazil, while Sweden got it going early in the late game and bested Tunisia 5-1.
Today, there's potential for at least one more blowout, as Spain plays Cabo Verde in Atlanta. Belgium gets its World Cup journey started as well, though against an Egypt that likely presents its toughest test in group play.
Group G
Predictions
Projected winner: Belgium (10)
Projected runner-up: Egypt (29)
Projected 3rd-place team: Iran (20)
Projected 4th-place team: New Zealand (85)
Today's matches
Belgium vs. Egypt, Monday, June 15, 2 pm (Seattle)
Iran vs. New Zealand, Monday, June 15, 8 pm (Inglewood, Calif.)
Future matches
Belgium vs. Iran: Sunday, June 21, 2 pm (Inglewood, Calif.)
New Zealand vs. Egypt: Sunday, June 21, 8 pm (Vancouver)
Egypt vs. Iran: Friday, June 26, 10 pm (Seattle)
New Zealand vs. Belgium: Friday, June 26, 10 pm (Vancouver)
Most compelling narrative
Belgium is a mix of old (Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, Leandro Trossard, Alex Witsel) and new (Jérémy Doku, Amadou Onana, Matias Fernandez-Pardo) — but how far can they go, especially with the potential to face stronger sides from the quarterfinals on?
Also, on the geopolitical side, I'm curious to see how (waves hands) all this impacts Iran's tournament run ... as some tournament projections have Iran meeting the U.S. in the Round of 32, in a redux of 2022's final group stage game.
Player to watch
Doku had a remarkable season with Manchester City, and he's one of my prime candidates to have a breakout tournament.
Group H
Predictions
Projected winner: Spain (2)
Projected runner-up: Uruguay (17)
Projected 3rd-place team: Saudi Arabia (60)
Projected 4th-place team: Cabo Verde (67)
Today's matches
Spain vs. Cabo Verde, Monday, June 15, 11 am (Atlanta)
Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, Monday, June 15, 5 pm (Miami)
Future matches
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia: Sunday, June 21, 11 am (Atlanta)
Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde: Sunday, June 21, 5 pm (Miami)
Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia: Friday, June 26, 7 pm (Houston)
Uruguay vs. Spain: Friday, June 26, 7 pm (Guadalajara)
Most compelling narrative
This group seems destined to be moving to the final match in group stage play between Spain — deservedly one of the tournament favorites — and a Uruguay team talented enough to engineer some upsets (and too loaded with attacking choices to include Facundo Torres, as it turns out).
By the way, took a peek at ticket prices for that match in Guadalajara — there aren't many left, and they aren't cheap.
Player to watch
It's pretty obvious since we're talking about Spain: Lamine Yamal, who appears to be recovered from his hamstring injury from all reports, is the favorite to be this tournament's award winner for best young player. They won't exactly need him to knock off Cabo Verde, but he'll be a welcome sight when he arrives.
Where to watch
Lou's on Barton Springs has declared itself the Spain and Argentina watch headquarters for Austin, and it's indoors (important today!), and Monday is half-off bone-in fried chicken day ... this all adds up to a destination.
What to read
Here's a fun look at what it's like to face Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé (starting his World Cup tomorrow).
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
Austin FC has a sixth straight Decision Day that doesn't impact its playoff chances. But its opponent from the Pacific Northwest has many scenarios to get into the postseason.
Brad Stuver was a surprising opening day starter in 2021, en route to becoming a six-year fixture in goal. For the last five years, he's been measurably one of MLS' best.
The 17-year-old Finnish youth international midfielder has officially signed with Verde through the 2030-31 season. What does it mean for a team that's most definitely rebuilding?
Austin FC let in four goals, making it the worst of Damian Las' six starting outings this season. However, Micah Burton and Ervin Torres connected on a goal that portends good things for the future.
We finally had some blowouts! Sunday gave us some temporary excitement with a Curaçao equalizer before Germany scored six straight (!) to equal its 7-1 margin from the 2014 semifinal against Brazil, while Sweden got it going early in the late game and bested Tunisia 5-1.
Today, there's potential for at least one more blowout, as Spain plays Cabo Verde in Atlanta. Belgium gets its World Cup journey started as well, though against an Egypt that likely presents its toughest test in group play.
Group G
Predictions
Today's matches
Future matches
Most compelling narrative
Belgium is a mix of old (Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, Leandro Trossard, Alex Witsel) and new (Jérémy Doku, Amadou Onana, Matias Fernandez-Pardo) — but how far can they go, especially with the potential to face stronger sides from the quarterfinals on?
Also, on the geopolitical side, I'm curious to see how (waves hands) all this impacts Iran's tournament run ... as some tournament projections have Iran meeting the U.S. in the Round of 32, in a redux of 2022's final group stage game.
Player to watch
Doku had a remarkable season with Manchester City, and he's one of my prime candidates to have a breakout tournament.
Group H
Predictions
Today's matches
Future matches
Most compelling narrative
This group seems destined to be moving to the final match in group stage play between Spain — deservedly one of the tournament favorites — and a Uruguay team talented enough to engineer some upsets (and too loaded with attacking choices to include Facundo Torres, as it turns out).
By the way, took a peek at ticket prices for that match in Guadalajara — there aren't many left, and they aren't cheap.
Player to watch
It's pretty obvious since we're talking about Spain: Lamine Yamal, who appears to be recovered from his hamstring injury from all reports, is the favorite to be this tournament's award winner for best young player. They won't exactly need him to knock off Cabo Verde, but he'll be a welcome sight when he arrives.
Where to watch
Lou's on Barton Springs has declared itself the Spain and Argentina watch headquarters for Austin, and it's indoors (important today!), and Monday is half-off bone-in fried chicken day ... this all adds up to a destination.
What to read
Here's a fun look at what it's like to face Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé (starting his World Cup tomorrow).
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
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