SATURDAY 17
PORTUGAL v IRAN
UKTV G2, 1pm/BBC One, 1.45pm (Kick-off 2pm)
Despite heroics in 1998 and impressing to get to Germany in the first place, Iran go into their second group match, against the European Championship runners-up, very much as the underdogs. Portugal may not have won their first match as convincingly as expected, but they possess the depth and flair of potential winners.
CZECH REPUBLIC v GHANA
ITV1, 4.30pm (kick-off 5pm)
This could well be the make-or-break encounter of both these nations’ World Cup. The Czechs will be favourites (they are, after all, the number two team in the world), but debutants Ghana — known as the Brazilians of Africa — will make them fight.
Advertisement
ITALY v USA
ITV1, 7.45pm (Kick-off 8pm)
The USA, coached by the splendidly named Bruce Arena, looked woeful against the Czechs last week. If they are not already out before this match starts, the Azzurri ought not to take long to supply the coup de grâce.
SUNDAY 18
JAPAN v CROATIA
ITV1, 1.30pm (Kick-off 2pm)
Group F is one of the most fascinating in the tournament, with three sides contesting a berth in the next round alongside Brazil. Despite Japan’s 3-1 defeat by Australia, it is still possible for Nakata and co to qualify. To do so they will need all three points today.
Advertisement
BRAZIL v AUSTRALIA
ITV1, 4.30pm (Kick-off 5pm)
This has the makings of a classic. Australia will never be more motivated for a match (unless they end up in a final against England, of course). The question will be whether the beautiful game prevails, or something like soccer trench warfare erupts in Munich. If you are an Australian looking for omens, it may be best to forget about Brazil’s perpetual dominance over Sweden, who also play in yellow.
FRANCE v SOUTH KOREA
UKTV G2, 7pm/BBC One, 7.25pm (Kick-off 8pm)
With Djibril Cissé out with his broken leg and questions being asked of the ageing Zinédine Zidane, France will see this as a chance to stamp some authority.
MONDAY 19
Advertisement
TOGO v SWITZERLAND
UKTV G2, 1pm/BBC One, 1.40pm (Kick-off 2pm)
Forget injured strikers or poor pre-tournament form: Togo’s problems, ahead of their first appearance in the World Cup, are on another scale. Their German manager resigned three days before their first match over a players’ bonus dispute. At the time of going to press it is not known if he will return. One imagines bemusement from the Swiss camp, and the knowledge that they ought to win comfortably this afternoon.
SAUDI ARABIA v UKRAINE
ITV1, 4.30pm (Kick-off 5pm)
Chelsea’s new signing, the Ukrainian captain Andriy Shevchenko, will be gunning for the tournament’s golden boot as his team face a side that have only won one match in their last two World Cup finals appearances.
SPAIN v TUNISIA
UKTV G2, 7pm/BBC One, 7.30pm (Kick-off 8pm)
Advertisement
Despite overabundant talent, Spain’s history in World Cup finals is awful. But is this the year they surprise us? (NB: this is said every year)
TUESDAY 20
ECUADOR v GERMANY
ITV1, 2.30pm (Kick-off 3pm)
The World Cup always goes with more of a swing if the hosts progress — look at South Korea’s run last time, which kept the tournament vibrant. So neutrals will have to applaud this particular German advance, even if such sentiments may not always come naturally.
COSTA RICA v POLAND
ITV2, 2.30pm (Kick-off 3pm)
Multichannel TV comes into its own as these final pairs of group games are staged simultaneously. Anyone not keen on watching the Germany game can instead tune in to this clash between Costa Rica and Poland, which would otherwise only have been seen in highlights.
Advertisement
ENGLAND v SWEDEN
ITV1, 7pm (Kick-off 8pm)
Memo to National Grid employees: please ensure coal and gas reserves are at maximum for the full-time cuppa surge.
PARAGUAY v TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
ITV4, 7.30pm (Kick-off 8pm)
The other match in England’s group ought not to influence qualification, but may provide a less stressful watch.
WEDNESDAY 21
PORTUGAL v MEXICO
ITV1, 2.30pm (Kick-off 3pm)
This match is likely to decide who finishes top in Group D. It is a moot point as to whether finishing first in this group actually offers much advantage, given that the qualifiers must play the
top two from Group C, probably the strongest in the tournament.
IRAN v ANGOLA
ITV2, 2.30pm (Kick-off 3pm)
In 1998, Iran beat the USA in front of supporters who seemed unsure whether they were attending a game or a political rally. They may not have as many neutral fans today, but will presumably have more support than Angola, who reside 46 places lower on the GDP table.
HOLLAND v ARGENTINA
ITV1, 7.30pm (Kick-off 8pm)
IVORY COAST v SERBIA & MONTENEGRO
ITV4, 7.30pm (Kick-off 8pm)
Every World Cup throws up a group where, despite all the seeding, every side is capable of progressing. Holland v Argentina would make a good final; Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro are hugely talented sides. Skilled remote control users will be in footballing heaven.
THURSDAY 22
GHANA v USA
UKTV G2, 2pm (Kick-off 3pm)
The spirited digital channel takes on sole coverage of this afternoon’s match. They should be rewarded today with relatively strong viewing figures, as both these sides have large UK-resident fan bases. The US, despite an awful start to their campaign, will begin as favourites.
CZECH REPUBLIC v ITALY
BBC One, 2.45pm (Kick-off 3pm)
Italy have flattered to deceive in World Cup finals in the last couple of tournaments. Today, with their league clubs no longer dominating Europe and many of their biggest stars imported, they need a good World Cup as never before.
JAPAN v BRAZIL
BBC One, 7.30pm(Kick-off 8pm)
CROATIA v AUSTRALIA
BBC Three, 7.30pm (Kick-off 8pm)
After Japan’s opening loss, one fears for them as they face the favourites. The Croatian heritage of several Australian players suggests their match might be a fiery one, as BBC Three get a piece of the live action with Ray Stubbs as anchor.
FRIDAY 23
UKRAINE v TUNISIA
UKTV G2, 2pm (Kick-off 3pm)
Even if you don’t particularly care about the result of this game, at least there’s Ron Atkinson’s carefully worded commentary to enjoy.
SAUDI ARABIA v SPAIN
BBC One, 2.45pm (Kick-off 3pm)
It has been 42 years since the Spanish team’s last major prize (at the 1964 Uefa European Championship). Luck often seems to desert them, as in Korea/Japan 2002 when they lost on penalties after some dubious referee decisions. Can they buck the trend, or freeze on the big stage again? Saudi Arabia will certainly be no pushover.
SWITZERLAND v SOUTH KOREA
UKTV G2, 7pm/BBC Three, 7.30pm (Kick-off 8pm)
TOGO v FRANCE
BBC One, 7.30pm (Kick-off 8pm)
Though it is not a rivalry in the Germany-Holland league, Togo may relish this clash with their former colonial ruler France. The Swiss always stay on everyone’s good side, so their match may not have as much sizzle.