My World Cup Viewing Schedule: Part 1

As you have probably heard by now, the World Cup begins tomorrow in South Africa. While these games are mainly in prime time in that country, plus I imagine most of South Africans are taking a one-month vacation, unfortunately those of us with normal jobs here in the U.S. must pick and choose which matches to skip, DVR, or take off work for. Here's one fan's schedule:

Friday, June 11
10 AM, EDT: South Africa v. Mexico
This is the first game of the tournament, and will certainly be full of fanfare, neat ceremonies, and pretty colors, and the home fans are sure to be pumped up. But unless you're Mexican, it won't be much fun to watch as the home team is likely to lose. (They're not very good.)
Verdict? DVR

2:30 PM: France v. Uruguay
France is far removed from its championship team of 2002, and only made the Cup on the strength of Thierry Henry's hand. As an Arsenal fan, I'll always watch them as long as Diaby, Gallas, Clichy, Henry, and Sagna are on the squad, but I don't expect them to go too far in this tournament. Uruguay is even worse, though, so France should cruise.
Verdict? Skip

Saturday, June 12
7:30 AM: Greece v. South Korea
Greece isn't particularly good and plays a negative defensive style. South Korea hasn't won a game away from Asian soil. Oh yeah, and the game is at 7:30 AM on a weekend. Skip.

10 AM: Nigeria v. Argentina
Can Nigeria put up a challenge to Argentina? They didn't qualify in 2006, but did make the knockout round twice in the 90s. Argentina certainly has plenty of talent, including the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, but it's still a big question whether they can put that together. But what else are you doing on Saturday morning? Here's an excuse to go out to your favorite pub for breakfast and a Guinness. Watch.

2:30 PM: USA v. England
Hopefully you didn't go anywhere after securing your spot in the bar for the morning game, because here's the marquee matchup of the group stages. There's enough coverage of this elsewhere, so I won't go into great detail, but suffice to say you should be sure not to drink TOO many Guinnesses (and definitely don't switch to the whiskey yet) so you'll be reasonably coherent for this game. Can't miss.

Sunday, June 13
7:30 AM: Slovenia v. Algeria
FIFA did a good job of scheduling the matches of interest to the Western Hemisphere later in the day. This would be of some interest to USA fans as both teams are in their group, meaning they'll likely need to beat one of them to advance, but neither are expected to advance. DVR.

10 AM: Ghana v. Serbia
I have some interest in African teams, and Serbia has some impressive players, but either team progressing very far would be a surprise. Serbia didn't win a game in 2006, and Ghana made it through a tough group into the round of 16 but was then beaten by Brazil 3-0. With Ghana's best player, Michael Essien out, they can't have much chance. I'll probably watch this, but only because it's a Sunday. Watch.

2:30 PM: Australia v. Germany
Germany is a favorite to win it all, but have suffered a spade of key injuries and have a goaltending question. The Socceroos were one of my favorite teams from 2006 because I felt they showed a lot of heart, not to mention they rarely, if ever, dived. This may not be close but should be a hard-fought game, with potential for a great one. It should be positive, skilled soccer and a showcase for those American fans who think soccer players are a bunch of whiners. Watch.

Monday, June 14
7:30 AM: Denmark v. Netherlands
Here's where it gets tricky. Unless you have Flag Day off, you're going to have to go to work during this game. Now, maybe you can roll in an hour late and catch the whole thing. But probably not. So you're going to have to make some decisions. Anyone who thinks soccer is boring NEEDS to watch the Netherlands play and should definitely DVR this match, even though they'll likely beat Denmark. The Dutch have plenty of skill and play a very exciting attacking style, and coming from the traditions of total football they have players who can make runs and score from every position. While one of their most dynamic players, Arjen Robben, is battling a hamstring injury and may not play in this match, they'll certainly have enough quality without him in Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie, and Dirk Kuyt to make it through to the group stage, where if they are playing well they can wreak havoc on even the best defenses.

10:00 AM: Cameroon v. Japan
Cameroon is again a strong African team, and has suffered fewer injuries than Ghana, so I think they have a good chance to advance in a weak Group E. Japan is somewhat of a question mark, as like South Korea they received a huge home advantage when they hosted the World Cup, and haven't won a World Cup match outside of their home soil. Cameroon is a team to watch, but not in this match. Skip.

2:30 PM: Paraguay v. Italy
Italy is a great team, regardless of some of Lippi's questionable roster choices. They'll win this game easily. Skip it.

Tuesday, June 15
7:30 AM: Slovakia v. New Zealand
Oh man. New Zealand is bad. They've only made one World Cup previous to this one, and two of the players on their roster aren't even on a pro team. Only nine play outside of Australia. Slovakia isn't very good either, as this is their first World Cup. Regardless of who wins, neither is advancing. Skip.


10 AM: Portugal v. Ivory Coast
This should be a great game. Even though Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba broke his arm and is questionable for this match, Ivory Coast has some solid players and should provide a tough matchup for Portugal. While Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo, they had to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff to qualify for the World Cup and this game could go either way. DVR.

2:30 PM: Korea DPR v. Brazil
While no one is quite sure what to expect from North Korea, it's fair to assume they won't beat Brazil. Skip this one.

Wednesday, June 16
7:30 AM: Chile v. Honduras
Some think Honduras could surprise, but Chile will likely prevail. The race for second place in group H should come down to Switzerland and Chile. This is far too early to get excited for. Skip.

10:00 AM: Spain v. Switzerland
Spain is one of the most dynamic teams in this World Cup, as well as one of the healthiest. They won Euro 2008 with Cesc Fabregas only playing as a sub. He's now two years older and though he's returning from a broken leg, he has shown a lot more poise and leadership in his last two years at Arsenal. Like, for example, in his last game he scored a penalty on the aforementioned broken leg. I'm going to make it a point to watch all of Spain's games this year. DVR.

2:30 PM: Uruguay v. South Africa
Ouch. The two weaker teams of one of the weakest groups face off here. Skip it.

That should allow you to plan your schedule out for the next week. Be sure to set your DVR and watch these pages for more recommended games. I'll take you through the rest of the group stages soon.

Photo courtesy of Brion Vibber via Creative Commons License