The World Cup is starting on Friday and the first 2 weeks (or fortnight as they call it across the pond) will be packed with games from the group stage.  For soccer fans, this is the equivalent of the NCAA tournament first round, only each team gets three games to display their prowess.  In a straight knockout tournament the first round wouldn't be much different for teams like Brazil (who would win) or New Zealand (who wouldn't). But for middle of the pack teams, like the United States, the extra games allotted by the round-robin style are vital. Because even though they should struggle against a stronger team like England, they probably will be able to pick up some points against Algeria and Slovenia in order to advance to the next round.

The amount of games over the 15 days of the tournament may be too overwhelming for some soccer newbies to absorb.  Especially those Americans sitting around waiting for the next U.S. Match. They may know that Italy, Germany, and Brazil tend to excel at soccer.  But they may not be intrigued by some of the less established footballing countries like Australia or Cameroon.  Will the ratings in America struggle due to lack of interest, or the fact that most games will be played during work hours?  It's a distinct possibility, so we at SportyMcBloggin present our “One Game A Day to DVR” guide. 

Also be sure to check out our preview of the World Cup:

Groups A-D
Groups E-H 
The Knockout Rounds 
 

Day 1 - Friday June 11

Uruguay v France

Although the opening match between the hosts (South Africa) and Mexico is tempting, this game provides a star studded matchup of two former World Cup champions.  France finished 2^nd at the last Cup and won on their home soil in 1998.  Uruguay is a 2-time champ but hasn't finished in the top 4 since 1970.  France entered this tournament using a blatant handball by superstar Theirry Henry in the final qualifier against Ireland.  Uruguay also slipped into the tournament with a victory over Costa Rica in the final knockout qualifier for CONMEBOL and CONCACAF.

Uruguay features forwards Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid) and Luis Suarez (Ajax) two of the most sought after goal scorers in Europe.  Their scoring prowess should help balance out Uruguay's traditional physical play.  France may be one of the older teams at this tournament, (Theirry Henry was on the '98 Championship squad) but they do have some young potential heroes.  Goaltender Hugo Lloris (Lyon) could end up being the best keeper at the tournament, and midfielder Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux) should display some of the play making flair that's made him a transfer target for the biggest clubs in the game.

What to watch for:

- Forlan and Suarez v the French defense and Lloris.  Many French defenders are very offensive minded (Evra, Clichy, Sagna) and could leave themselves open to counter-attack.

- Franck Ribery.  Will Ribery (arguably one of the top 10 players in the world) use the cup to channel his aggression from his recent scandals?  Will he have to win games by himself or will aging stars Henry and Nicolas Anelka maximize the opportunities he provides them with?

Day 2 - Saturday June 12

England v United States

You'll only hear this story 1500 more times before this game.  England didn't enter the first 3 World Cups because they thought they were too good to play with the rest of the world.  In 1950 they finally entered the tournament and in their second match they lost to the United States. Following that they were promptly eliminated at the end of the1^st round.  In their World Cup history the “inventors” of the game have only claimed 1 title, on their home turf in 1966.

This time around England are one of the favorites.  They feature a Premier League All-Star team including Wayne Rooney (Man U), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard , Ashley Cole, and John Terry (Chelsea), plus five starters from Tottenham Hotspur.  Meanwhile the United States boasts a few Premier League talents of its own: Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Tim Howard (Everton), Jozy Altidore (Hull City via loan from Villareal), Jonathan Spector (West Ham), Stuart Holden (Bolton).  The Americans don't have the caliber of talent starring in the EPL that England has, but this could be the most internationally experienced US team ever.

What to watch for:

- Wayne Rooney making an Onyewu-less U.S. team look like traffic cones.

- Tim Howard using his Premier League experience to bail out his country as best he can.

Day 3 – Sunday June 13

Serbia v Ghana

This matchup should decide the 2nd advancement spot in Group D.  It's a distinct possibility that once the tournament is over, we will look back on D as the true "Group of Death".  Ghana is without their star, Michael Essien.  Yet they're still a formidable opponent who survived the 1st round four years ago.  With Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac behind the bench, they may be able to better adapt to his home country's strategy.

Serbia could be the strongest member of Group D and they'll be looking to open strong against Ghana.  With a good outing in this match, it will take the pressure off of them in their next game against Germany.  Nemanja Vidic may be the epitome of their squad, but Marko Pantelic and the other forwards will need to weave some magic to put them ahead.

What to watch for:

- Serbia's crushing defense.  Vidic and Branislave Ivanovic lead a powerhouse backline that should keep an Essien-less Ghana away from goal.

- Can Asamoah Gyan (Rennes) lead Ghana on attack.  The team has championship experience, having just finished 2nd in the African Cup of Nations.  But can they step up without their go-to-guy.

Day 4 – Monday June 14

Italy v Paraguay

The top 2 teams in Group F are the defending champs, Italy, and an underrated South American side.  In recent matches, Paraguay has found ways to score multiple goals against solid defenses (Ivory coast, Greece).  However they struggled offensively in qualifying, relying on their defense to pull them through.  They'll need Cristian Riveros (Sunderland) and Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City) to display some game-breaking moves in order to penetrate the Italian defense.

Much of this match will be decided at midfield.  Both teams are strong in possesion  But the key for Italy should be some offense provided by Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan) or Antonio Di Natale (Udinese) with the excellent goalkeeping of Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus).  The Azzuri shine on D, and their offense will be enough to win.

What to watch for:

- Buffon will be a brick wall.  It's not that Paraguay can't score, it's just that it will take spectacular luck against this strong Italian squad.

- The battle at midfield.  Pirlo, De Rossi, Gattuso vs. Riveros Barreto, Santana.

Day 5 – Tuesday June 15

Ivory Coast v Portugal

Currently these 2 teams are in the consensus "Group of Death" with Brazil and North Korea.  By the end of this tournament, Groups A or D may prove to be stronger.  But for now, as long as Didier Drogba (Chelsea)can play, these teams are stacked.  Ivory Coast's key man, Drogba, has a broken arm.  Portugal winger Nani has withdrawn with a collar bone injury.  And there still will be enough star power on the field to make this a can't miss game. 

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is a top 5 player in the world.  Drogba is as well.  Both teams continue to get stronger as you examine the midfield and defense.  Barring a future upset of Brazil, this match should decide the 2nd place team of this group.  Defense may be at a premium here.  If Didier can play, don't be surprised with a 4-3 final.  But it he's just taking up space, Portugal may run away with this match and the Ivory Coast may not recover in this cup.

What to watch for:

- Cristiano Ronaldo is remarkable at almost everything he does: shooting, dribbling, free kicks, passing, nailing reality show celebrities, flopping.  If he's in form, you don't want to miss a chance to see him on the pitch.

- The Toure's, Yaya and Kolo, are great defenders for Ivory Coast.  They're both done battle with Ronaldo before and that experience may be what they need to push their team ahead.

Parts II and III coming soon.
Be sure to check out our preview of the World Cup:

Groups A-D
Groups E-H 
The Knockout Rounds