DHAKA: The eleventh day of FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil is trimmed with three important matches among Belgium-Russia, Korea Republic-Algeria and USA-Portugal.
The first match will kick off at 10:00pm (Bangladesh time) Monday at Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, Maracanã.
None of the two teams was particularly impressive in the first round but Belgium still got a 2-1 win vs. Algeria, Russia only a 1-1 draw vs. South Korea.
Belgium is still not a cohesive side, they have very young player and the coach Wilmots is criticized for not rising to the level of his players. But all in all it was a win for Belgium, making 4 in a row now for the Devils.
Belgium has no injuries or suspensions today and can use the best lineup. Mertens will again be on the bench – he’s been the jolly jocker for the Devils, bringing a late win in the last two games.
Russia had a poorer performance than Belgium against South Korea. The Asians were out of form and inferior in quality but they almost got the win. The match was dead even and the draw for sure was the normal result.
Today a draw would be a good result for Russia and I’m sure Capello has made a good analysis of the South Korea game and the team will improve. Full squad is available for the Russians.
The second match of Day-11 of FIFA 2014 between Korea Republic and Algeria will start at 2:00pm (local time) Monday, at Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre.
The two teams have to put disappointing opening results behind them when they meet on Monday (AEST), each knowing a victory would leave it well placed to qualify from a FIFA World Cup group that remains wide open.
The group standings will become clearer once Russia and Belgium play earlier in the day, but a win for the Koreans would place them on the verge of the knockout rounds after they drew their first game against Russia 1-1.
Three points for Algeria, who lost 2-1 against Belgium after leading for much of the match, would propel it back into contention, while a loss would all but end its World Cup.
The last match of day-11 of the FIFA World Cup between USA and Portugal will kick off at 4:00pm (local time) at Arena Arena Amazonia, Manaus.
USA and Portugal will meet in the challenging climate of Manaus for their Group G encounter on Sunday evening.
The Stars and Stripes head into the game on the back of a 2-1 win over Ghana earlier in the week, with a late John Brooks header securing all three points for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side.
USA will be without striker Jozy Altidore for the game in the Amazon jungle after he suffered a hamstring strain during their opening win.
The Sunderland striker’s replacement is likely to be one of Aron Johannsson or Chris Wondolowski, and the latter admits it will be difficult to replace Altidore.
BDST: 1215 HRS, JUNE 22, 2014
