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Group G – 17:00 It’s fair to say that the American fans attending the World Cup in Brazil have largely been a credit to their nation so far, but as per usual the online reactions to various results has been less than dignified, and if they manage to beat the Germans here you can bet it won’t get much better, although sections of our own press would probably do the same. The USA v Germany match itself could actually turn out to be a controversial one if it ends with the draw both teams need to make it through, and selection from both teams will be a hot topic with Jozy Altidore again set to miss out for the States, and Jerome Boateng, Sami Khedira and Thomas Muller for the Germans. Elsewhere Portugal and Ghana are well-aware that even a win won’t be enough if the US can draw with what will probably not be a full-strength Germany outfit, and after the season he’s had Cristiano Ronaldo will be devastated to go out so early. It may be that the Real Madrid forward was born a generation too late to have a hope at major honours with his nation, and tonight is almost certainly his last chance to show the Brazilian fans that he really deserves the mantle of ‘world’s best player’. Portugal have Pepe available after suspension but there are injury concerns over Hugo Almeida and Helder Postiga and Fabio Coentrao is out of the tournament. Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari is banned today, and Daniel Opare is still out injured. Group H – 21:00 The golden generation Belgium has produced has turned their nation from the Skegness of Europe into a somewhat interesting land that hipster football fans love to drone on about, and in fairness to Eden Hazard, Axel Witsel and Christian Benteke it’s hard not to feel excited when you watch players with such astonishing ability and drive. Admittedly there are some overrated guys in the squad too, but with qualification already secure the Belgians may choose to rotate the squad a bit and not risk the fitness of their key men, giving Korea a slim outside chance of qualification. South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo may opt to make a few changes, with Yun Suk-Young and Park Chu-Young possible casualties. Belgium are through to the last 16, and will most likely rest players. For the South Koreans to have that chance they need a draw or a win for Russia in their match Algeria, and in reality it’s only a draw that is truly good for the Asian side due to the goal difference amassed to this point by the four teams involved, and it would need a large swing for Korean to overtake Algeria. A point would take the Africans through and send Russia and Fabio Capello crashing out of the competition, which is no less than they deserve in truth, and you wouldn’t blame Algeria for playing it safe here with qualification the prize at stake.