Most of the Americans that tune in to watch the World Cup this summer will not be diehard soccer fans. While it would be nice if soccer were one of the most dominant sports in the States, that sadly is not the case (at least not yet). Until soccer gains the following that it deserves, most American viewers will likely have a limit to the number of World Cup games that they can watch and thoroughly enjoy before getting burned out. Of course everyone should tune in during the knockout stages of the tournament, but what is a less than fanatic American viewer supposed to do when they are faced with countless group stage games? Fortunately the wonderful people at ESPN, Jeff Carlisle in particular, have provided us with a list of games that should be at the top of any viewer’s list. I’ll go through this list and help you further determine which games you will want to sit down for.
1. South Africa v. Mexico: Carlisle throws this game in simply because of the spectacle that will be the fanfare surrounding the host country in their first game. Sure, you’ll want to catch all the pregame action and probably some shots of what will be a hectic crowd, but feel free to sleep through the game.
2. Argentina v. Nigeria: If for no other reason, watch this game simply to see Argentinean Lionel Messi. Arguably the best player in the game, he will surely not disappoint.
3. England v. United States: A must see for anyone cheering on the US.
4. Italy v. Paraguay: Italy is the veteran team that doesn’t play their best soccer until the knockout rounds. Feel free to wait until later in the tournament to watch them.
5. Ivory Coast v. Portugal – There are two reasons to watch. This is sure to be a highly competitive game, and the winner will, along with Brazil, almost assuredly advance from Group G to the next stage.
6.Cameroon v. Denmark – Forget about it, Eto’o will likely display some heroics for Cameroon but the Netherlands should win handily.
7. Brazil v. Ivory Coast – With world-class players abound on both squads, this is truly a must-see.
8. Ghana v. Germany – An intriguing game for diehard fans, this game might not have the star power or the implications to keep the interests of lesser fans.
9. Portugal v. Brazil – Any chance that you get to see Brazil play, take advantage of it. Especially when they have a decent foe, as they will in a talented Portuguese side.
10. Chile v. Spain – This match probably won’t be as exciting as Carlisle makes it out to be. Expect Spain to get up early and sit back.
While in a perfect world everyone would tune in to every game, make sure that these are the games that you mark on your calendar.
Carlisle's ESPN articlePhoto thanks to Shine 2010 - 2010 World Cup good news
