The United States meets Australia in Seattle tonight at 10:00 p.m. in Group 12, a game that has become much more charged than it looked a month ago. After the Americans impressed against Paraguay, the matchup now carries extra tension following pre-draw comments in the U.S. that Australia would be easy to beat, which angered the Australians and led to recent verbal jabs between players. The game also reflects how quickly the market has shifted, after the cheapest ticket fell by 30 percent to about $900 a month ago, before rising to $2,000 yesterday. Australia arrives after an impressive win over Turkey, built on pace and disciplined defense, but faces a difficult task.
Scotland can make history against Morocco in Massachusetts at 1:00 a.m. between Friday and Saturday in Group 3. One point would almost certainly be enough to send Scotland into the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever. Steve Clarke’s side opened with a win over Haiti, ending a 28-year absence from the tournament, which has eased pressure on the team and its supporters. Morocco, though, showed against Brazil that its FIFA ranking of No. 6 is no accident, and the teams last met in France in 1988, when Morocco won 3-0 and ended Scotland’s World Cup hopes.
Brazil, meanwhile, is under pressure in Philadelphia at 3:30 a.m. between Friday and Saturday in Group 3 against Haiti. Carlo Ancelotti has faced criticism over his lineup after the disappointing draw with Morocco, and defender Danilo admitted that Brazil’s lack of continuity is hurting the team, with Ancelotti only having taken charge a year ago. For Brazil, even Haiti now feels like a stressful test.
In Group 4, Turkey and Paraguay, both beaten in their opening matches, meet at 6:00 a.m. between Friday and Saturday. Turkey was caught off guard by Australia and must show that the 2-0 loss was a one-off, while Paraguay, which had little chance against the United States, should find this matchup more suited to its strengths.
