Monday’s World Cup matches
GROUP G: PORTUGAL VS. NORTH KOREA
Where: Capetown. Time: 4:30 a.m. PDT.
TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Univision. Radio: Sirius/XM, KLYY-FM 97.5, KDLD-FM/KDLE-FM 103.1.
The buzz: Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoreless streak in international play — which dates to a 2009 match against Finland — was extended in Portugal’s 0-0 draw with Ivory Coast, while North Korea gave Brazil a surprisingly tough match in its opener. And these teams have a memorable World Cup history. In the 1966 quarterfinals the Koreans ran off to a 3-0 lead before giving up five unanswered goals in one of the greatest games in tournament history. Portugal is ranked third in the world by FIFA; North Korea is 105th.
GROUP H: CHILE VS. SWITZERLAND
Where: Port Elizabeth. Time: 7 a.m. PDT.
TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Univision. Radio: Sirius/XM, KLYY-FM 97.5, KDLD-FM/KDLE-FM 103.1.
The buzz: South America has yet to lose in this tournament, but this game could test that streak. The Swiss, led by Gelson Fernandes and keeper Diego Benaglio, are flying high after beating second-ranked Spain in their opener. Highly regarded Chile, meanwhile, played well but barely squeaked by an injury-plagued Honduran team, 1-0, and looks ripe for an upset. Chile needs a win here since it closes group play with Spain.
GROUP H: SPAIN VS. HONDURAS
Where: Johannesburg. Time: 11:30 a.m. PDT.
TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Univision. Radio: Sirius/XM, KLYY-FM 97.5, KDLD-FM/KDLE-FM 103.1.
The buzz: Both teams lost their opening matches, which was expected from Honduras but not the European champion, whose loss to Switzerland was just its second in 49 games. Now both teams find themselves needing a win to keep pace in the group. Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas didn’t play in the opener because of injury but could boost the offense if he goes here. For Honduras, striker David Suazo is still doubtful with a thigh injury.
