+ Group F: Netherlands–Sweden, Saturday, 7:00 PM
Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas
TV4/P4 Radio Sport
+ Tougher opposition awaits Sweden
Group favourites Netherlands drew 2-2 in the opener against Japan after a late goal. The Netherlands field a strong defence with three Premier League stars: Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke.
The Netherlands are a tough nut to crack in the World Cup. The last time the nation lost a match in regular time was 20 years ago, in the round of 16 against Portugal in 2006.
+ Group E: Germany–Ivory Coast, Saturday, 10:00 PM
Toronto Stadium, Ontario, Canada
TV4/P4 Radio Sport
+ Shaken by match-fixing scandal
Two weeks before the World Cup, Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi was arrested in France, according to The Athletic. Wahi, who plays for Ligue 1 side Nice, is being investigated on suspicion of deliberately drawing a caution against Metz on May 17.
He was detained on May 29 but was later released. He then joined Ivory Coast's World Cup squad in the United States. Wahi was in the starting eleven when Ivory Coast opened their campaign with a 1–0 win over Ecuador.
Germany defeated the small island nation of Curaçao 7–1 in the opening match, as expected.
+ Group E: Ecuador–Curaçao, Sunday, 2:00 AM
Kansas City Stadium, Missouri
TV4
+ Happy tones in Curaçao
Curaçao played its first ever World Cup match against Germany and went on to lose 1–7. Despite this, the tone in the Caribbean media is filled with pride. Livano Comenencias was named the island nation's hero after his goal. The fact that Curaçao – the smallest nation ever to reach a men's championship – managed to score against the Germans has been celebrated as a victory.
"We can be proud. The goal was absolutely fantastic for all of us, for the nation as well," said Dutch national team captain Dick Advocaat, according to Fox Sports.
+ Group F: Tunisia–Japan, Sunday, 6:00 AM
Monterrey Stadium, Monterrey, Mexico
SVT/P4 Radio Sport
+ Chaos in Tunisia
Tunisia's heavy loss (1–5) to Sweden in the opening match saw national team captain Sabri Lamouchi was fired. Frenchman Hervé Renard took over and is now trying to instill courage in a wounded squad.
"I have told them (the players) that they must hold their heads high - you are here to represent your country," Renard said at a press conference.
Japan are struggling with injuries after their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. According to Japanese media, midfielder Takefusa Kubo is likely to miss the rest of the group stage. Japan are already missing several key players in attack, including Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino, as well as captain Wataru Endo.
