World Cup games Monday on TV
GR0UP B
AUSTRALIA VS. SPAIN
Where: Curitiba. Time: 9 a.m. PDT.
TV: ESPN2, UniMas/Galavision.
The buzz: Neither team can advance, but that doesn’t make this game meaningless — especially for Spain. No defending champion has failed to secure at least one point before exiting, but through two games that’s exactly what Spain has — no points and just one goal. Winless Australia would also like to salvage some pride, but it will be without New York Red Bulls star Tim Cahill, who is out because of two yellow cards after scoring two of the Socceroos’ three goals in Brazil.
NETHERLANDS VS. CHILE
Where: Sao Paulo. Time: 9 a.m. PDT.
TV: ESPN, Univision.
The buzz: Both teams have already qualified for the second round, but the winner here wins the group, probably avoiding a knockout-round game with Brazil. A draw, meanwhile, favors the Netherlands, who have a one-score advantage in goal differential, the first tiebreaker should the teams finish deadlocked atop the table. The Dutch will be without captain and co-leading scorer Robin van Persie, who has two yellow cards, and central defender Bruno Martins Indi, who sustained a concussion in last week’s win over Australia. Chile could rest midfielders Arturo Vidal, who is coming off knee surgery, and Charles Aranguiz, who has a minor knee sprain, since both also have a yellow card.
GROUP A
CAMEROON VS. BRAZIL
Where: Brasilia. Time: 1 p.m. PDT.
TV: ESPN2, UniMas/Galavision.
The buzz: Brazil is unbeaten but it really hasn’t dominated in this tournament, escaping with a win over a determined Croatia in its opener, then being frustrated by Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa in a scoreless draw. The host country needs at least a draw here to advance but just as important the team needs to find its game before heading to the knockout stage. Cameroon, winless and goal-less in the World Cup, will be without red-carded midfielder Alex Song and could be missing star striker Samuel Eto’o, who has a bad right knee. Undetermined is the fate of at least two other players who face punishment for scuffle late in last week’s loss to Croatia.
CROATIA VS. MEXICO
Where: Recife. Time: 1 p.m. PDT.
TV: ESPN, Univision.
The buzz: Mexico could win the group, advance as the second-place team or be eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 1978, depending on what happens Monday. El Tri begins the day tied with Brazil atop the group table but, with one score in two games, trailing in the tiebreaking goal differential. Still, a win sends it through regardless of what Brazil does. A win and a Brazil loss or tie gives it the group title while a Croatia win eliminates Mexico. For Croatia the formula is far simpler: win or go home.
