Here’s a look at Sunday’s World Cup matches:
Group E: Japan vs. Costa Rica, 5 a.m., FS1
After causing one of the early shocks of this World Cup by beating Germany, Japan has what should be an easier match against Costa Rica. Another win would likely secure passage through to the knockout stage for the second time in the past three World Cups. As for Costa Rica, it’s hard to see it surviving without a win after a 7-0 takedown by Spain in the opening game left it with zero points and a poor goal differential.
Group F: Belgium vs. Morocco, 8 a.m., FS1
Belgium escaped with three points in a tightly contested game against Canada to open its World Cup, but this group still looks as though it could go in any direction. The Belgian golden generation is in what will almost certainly be its final World Cup, and another win would clinch a knockout stage appearance. As for Morocco, it’s coming off a scoreless draw with Croatia in which neither team showed much.
Group F: Croatia vs. Canada, 11 a.m., Fox
Canada acquitted itself well against Belgium, but is still looking for its first goal at a World Cup following the 1-0 loss, in which Alphonso Davies missed a penalty. Canada will need to actually get a result this time, otherwise its World Cup is in trouble. Ditto for Croatia, which comes in sitting on one point after drawing Morocco.
Group E: Germany vs. Spain, 2 p.m., Fox
A chance for Spain to cement itself as one of the tournament favorites by knocking out Germany, which cannot afford a second loss if it is to advance. The Germans lost in the group stage four years ago and have generally underachieved since winning the 2014 World Cup. Another group stage loss would be a massive disappointment, but that is the scenario they face against a high-powered Spain squad.
