World Cup 2014 TV schedule: Who to watch Wednesday, June 25
World Cup groups E and F wrap up first round play Wednesday, matches include Argentina vs. Nigeria, France vs. Ecuador, and Iran takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Victor R. Caivano/AP
Two final matches in both Group E and Group F highlight World Cup action on Wednesday.
At noon Eastern time, former World Cup champion Argentina takes to the pitch at Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre against Nigeria in one Group F match.
Chris Brummitt of The Associated Press reports a large contingent of Argentinians have descended on Porto Alegre for this match.
The Lionel Messi show is coming to this southern Brazilian city, along with hordes of the Argentina striker's loyal fans.
Porto Alegre is close to the Argentine border, and thousands have already made the crossing into Brazil, many sleeping in buses and vans ahead of Wednesday's game against Nigeria. Local media reports that more than 50,000 are expected, though less than half will have tickets to an event that could be a test for security authorities.
Argentina can clinch Group F with a win or draw. Nigeria will advance with the same results. The Super Eagles could also move on after a loss, if Iran doesn't beat Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Argentina vs. Nigeria will be televised on ESPN and Univision.
Also at noon Eastern, the second Group F encounter features the Bosnia and Herzegovina - Iran matchup at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.
Iran vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina will be broadcast on ESPN2 and Galavision. After the matches, if Iran and Nigeria are tied in the group standings, it could come down to a coin flip to determine which team advances, according to Oliver Todd of Britain's DailyMail.
World Cup Group F could be decided by picking names out of a hat or a coin toss – if Iran and Nigeria finish level behind Argentina.
Ahead of the final round of group stage games, 1-0 wins for Argentina against Nigeria and for Iran against Bosnia would leave the two teams level in every variant that FIFA consider before ‘drawing lots.'
Group E has two matches happening simultaneously at 4 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday.
France, another former World Cup champion, meets Ecuador at Maracanã - Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho in Rio De Janeiro. The French have two victories with prolific goalscoring, powering their way to the next round, according to Pascal Lemesre of Britain's SportsMole website.
Les Bleus have netted eight goals in their opening two matches and are now looking to ensure that they avoid Argentina in the last 16.
Didier Deschamps's men are all but guaranteed to finish top of Group E because of their superior goal difference, but they could be leapfrogged if Ecuador beats them by four goals.
France vs. Ecuador can be seen on ESPN and Univision.
Switzerland will play Honduras in the Amazonian steam bath otherwise known as Arena Amazonia in Manaus. The Swiss have one win in group play and need another to advance. Honduras, even with two losses, still has an outside shot of moving onto the next round.
Switzerland vs. Honduras can be seen on ESPN2 and Galavision.