Space Coast Daily Provides World Cup Day 5 Coverage
By SPACE COAST DAILY // June 16, 2014
ABOVE VIDEO: Keith Malone previews USA’s match with Ghana and speaks with US Soccer fans on location in Rio, Brazil.
GAME 1: Group G: Germany vs. Portgual, 12 p.m. –
Two of the highest-ranked teams in the 2014 World Cup tournament collide in the opening match for Group G, as Germany challenges Portugal. The German Football Association devoted $40 million on its own custom-built hotel and training center in Bahia.The Germans are led by their midfield, which features Meut Ozul, Thomas Muller and Marco Reus, who just won the Budesliga’s player of the year award.Portugal is led by international superstar Cristano Ronaldo, This match should prove to be one of the most exciting in the entire tournament
GAME 2: Group F: Iran vs. Nigeria, 3 p.m.
Iran is led by captain Javad Nekounam, who has quickly established his place as the team’s talisman. Other key players include Masoud Shojaei. Reza Ghoochannejhad, who is an emerging young talent. Iran’s midfield is anchored by Ashkan Dejagah shores up the midfield alongside Andranik Teymourian.
Nigeria utilized new talent to win the 2013 edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.Key members of the new era include John Obi Mikel. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama is an important veteran, while Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike are key parts of Nigeria’s offense.
USA Fans Celebrate a 2-1 win over Ghana at Pig & Whistle Pub in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
USA Soccer fans react to John Brooks Goal for the go-ahead 2-1 score vs. Ghana at the 2014 World Cup.
ABOVE VIDEO: The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team arrives in Natal for its match vs. Ghana
GAME 3: Group G: United States of America vs. Ghana, 6 p.m.
It’s hard to believe four years have passed since Landon Donovan’s late-game heroics that propelled the US into the next round. In 2014, a new head coach and new captain will lead the way for the Americans, as Clint Dempsey is entrusted as team captain.
Odds-makers give the US a 1 in 100 chance of winning the 2014 World up, thanks to the exceptionally formidable opponents they face in a group that includes perennial powerhouse Germany, Portugal and Ghana, which eliminated the United States from its past two appearances in the World Cup. USA players and fans hope the third time is the charm to defeat Ghana.
Despite some of the major changes, USA’s team returns familiar faces other than Dempsey, including midfielder Michael Bradley , goalkeeper Tim Howard and Jozy Altidore,who has emerged as one of the most dangerous scoring threats in qualifying play.
ABOVE VIDEO: Highlights from the US Men’s National Team’s path to qualify for the World Cup.
ABOVE VIDEO: US Men’s Soccer captain Clint Dempsey explains what inspires him as a player.
ABOVE VIDEO: ESPN’s footage of the US team preparing to leave for Brazil as underdogs of the 2014 World Cup tournament.
ABOVE VIDEO: Fans watch the US Men’s National Soccer Team practice in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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