A Bayern Munich fan’s guide to round three of the World Cup
One is through to the next round, while another has already made his exit, but most Bayern Munich stars have much to play for in World Cup round three.
Germany
At this point surely you’ve all seen that Toni Kroos goal to secure his nation a 2-1 victory over Sweden. If not, check it out here. The Bayern Munich youth product saved Die Mannschaft from another embarrassing result and may have provided the moment that sparks a fire back in his national side.
Manuel Neuer — undoubtedly back to his best after nearly a year-long layoff — will need to inspire his team to be at their absolute best against South Korea. The two teams face off on Wednesday, June 27th, at 10 am EST. A win for the Germans won’t necessarily guarantee them a spot in the next round. They’ll need some help from Mexico, who take on Sweden at the same time. However, a win for the Germans would nearly ensure they make it to the round of 16.
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Colombia
Los Cafeteros bounced back from their disappointing World Cup opener with an emphatic 3-0 win over Poland earlier today. Bayern playmaker James Rodriguez was at the heart of it all for Colombia, assisting Yerry Mina’s opener and Juan Cuadrado’s finisher on his way to an overall excellent display.
The Colombians take on Senegal this Thursday, June 28th, at 10 am EST. A win will guarantee them a spot in the round of 16. Meanwhile, they could also qualify with a draw if Poland overcomes Japan in their match.
Poland
Speaking of Poland, Robert Lewandowski and Co. have secured their flights home after failing to score in either of their opening two World Cup matches. Bayern’s talismanic striker can hardly be blamed for either Poland loss, though, as his national side has been shambolic as a whole throughout. He was starved of service, often finding himself having to track deep back into his own half to even touch the ball.
Poland face Japan on Thursday, June 28th, at 10 am EST, but the only significance held by that match concerns other Group H contenders Colombia and Senegal.
France
France’s 1-0 win over Peru secured their spot in the round of 16. But there is no guarantee they’ll exit this stage as Group C leaders. They can confirm that spot on Tuesday, June 26th, at 10 am EST when they face Denmark.
Corentin Tolisso didn’t feature at all for Les Bleus in their victory over Peru, but the French still weren’t totally convincing. There’s a good chance he returns to the starting XI against Denmark, as Didier Deschamps is still trying to figure out exactly what his best lineup is.
Spain
Group B leaders Spain should have very little to worry about heading into their match against Morocco tomorrow, June 25th, at 2 pm EST. A win or a draw ensures La Furia Roja advance to the round of 16. They could even make it through with a loss depending on how Portugal’s match against Iran goes.
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Thiago Alcantara failed to make an appearance for his national side against Iran. They weren’t totally convincing, though, so maybe the Bayern Munich maestro will feature for Spain against Morocco on Monday.