Your World Cup Daily Guide, Tuesday June 17

Category: Sports News

TUESDAY, JUNE 17
 
Ghanaian players celebrate during their victory over the US during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Photo: Getty Images


2AM: GERMANY v PORTUGAL
Another first-round clash of European heavyweights, with Cristiano Ronaldo looking to drive Portugal to victory against perennial power Germany.


Where to watch in Melbourne: The George cinemas, 135 Fitzroy St, St Kilda, 9534 6922, festivaloffootball.com.au.


Where to watch in Sydney: Lowenbrau Keller, Cnr of Playfair and Argyle Sts, The Rocks, 02 9247 7785. (A German beer hall providing no shortage of authentic German snacks).
  
Germany defeated Portugal in the third place playoff at the 2006 World Cup. Photo: AFP
Our experts say: If this World Cup was played in Europe, Germany would be favourite. There is no more well-rounded team than Die Nationalmannschaft, which combines elite quality in every position with a matured mid-20s age range. Yet playing in South America won’t be comfortable for Joachim Low’s side, especially against a team that speaks the local lingo and will feel perfectly at home. Portugal always punches hard in major tournaments and with Ronaldo determined to make an impact, tripping up the Germans would mark the dream start.


Odds: Germany $2.15, Draw $3.25, Portugal $3.75  (Sportsbet.com.au)


5AM IRAN v NIGERIA

8AM GHANA v UNITED STATES

Having left veteran Landon Donovan out of his 23-man squad, US Coach Jurgen Klinsmann will hope his men can overcome a Ghana side that has knocked over the Americans at the previous two World Cups. 


Where to watch in Melbourne: Melbourne Central Lion Hotel, Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, Level 3, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, 03 9663 5977


Where to watch in Sydney: Pyrmont Bridge Hotel, 96 Union St, Pyrmont, 02 9660 6996

Odds: Ghana $2.50, Draw $3.20, USA $3.10 (Sportsbet.com.au)


TV Highlights: 

SBS One, 1.00am, World Cup Preview Show

SBS One, 1:30am, Germany v Portugal

SBS One, 4.30am, Iran v Nigeria 

SBS One, 7.30am, Ghana v United States

SBS One, 11.30am, 2002 Classic Match: Korea v Italy

SBS One, 6- 6.30pm, Socceroos Show

SBS One, 7.30-8.30pm, The Full Brazilian, comedian Jimeoin hosts an "unpredictable mixture of football and fun", before a live audience.


SNAPSHOT OF DAY FOUR OF THE WORLD CUP:


AT A GLANCE: Switzerland grabbed a last-gasp winner over Ecuador, while France and Argentina also began their campaigns with wins.


PLAYER OF THE DAY: Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi awoke his listless team and broke his 623-minute World Cup goalscoring drought with a breathtaking run and long-range goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina.


TALKING POINT: A French goal during its 3-0 win over Honduras made history, being the first to be confirmed by goal-line technology. Vision from seven video cameras proved the ball had crossed the line and alerted the referee through his watch.


QUOTE OF THE DAY: Gaffe-prone politician Maurizio Gasparri, vice-president of the Italian Senate, is facing a backlash after he tweeted: “It’s always a pleasure to say, 'go ----  themselves' to the English ... pretentious and pricks'', following Italy's 2-1 win over England.


STAT OF THE DAY: Sead Kolasinac’s deflection into his own net in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s game against Argentina was the third own goal of the 2014 World Cup, one more than in the entire 2010 tournament.


THE AUSTRALIANS: The Socceroos have a rest day on Tuesday. Surprise starter Alex Wilkinson told Fairfax writer Michael Lynch the Socceroos felt they belonged after their encouraging opening game.


FACTS

* Germany has not won the World Cup since 1990 (when West Germany won).

* Cristiano Ronaldo has 49 international goals for Portugal.

* Ghana's highest FIFA world ranking is 14th, a peak reached in 2008.

* The US's best finish at a World Cup is third in 1930.



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