5 matches you must not miss at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

As the 2014 FIFA World Cupapproaches, the euphoria among the fans has started reaching another level. Football fans from around the world are waiting for 12 June that marks the beginning of a month long festival that is followed more than any other sporting event in the world. One month where people unite irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and culture.The 2014 FIFA World Cup promises some interesting group stage matches that are a must watch for all the fans.Here are 5 Group Stagethat you must not miss at the 2014 FIFA World Cup!

#1 Brazil vs Croatia - 12 June, Sao Paolo

The opening game of each World Cup always commands attention. When the opening match features players like Neymar, Luka Modric, Thiago Silva, Oscar, Mario Mandzukic, it just doesnt get any bigger.

The nation, in quest of a record sixth FIFA World Cup trophy, kick start their campaign on the opening day in front of the home fans. The atmosphere will be absolutely electric and Brazil face a somewhat unpredictable opposition in Croatia, who would be eager to silence the home fans.

#2 Uruguay v England - 19 June, Sao Paolo

England come into yet another World Cup with the burden of expectations. The star studded lineup has often failed at crucial moments and this time, they have a gigantic task of beating teams like Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.

They face Uruguay on 19June and Luis Suarezs form means they have to be at their very best to stopEl Pistolero. England have never beaten Uruguay at the World Cup and that will be something they would want to change if they want to qualify.

#3 Spain vs Netherlands - 13 June, Salvador

A rematch of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.

The match will also reveal how much the 2010 finalists have gained or lost since their historic peaks in the last edition. Both teams have balanced squads capable of winning the World Cup.

Netherlands will look to avenge their defeat of the 2010 final while Spain have the chance of becoming the greatest football team ever if they win this summer’s World Cup.

However, many beleive Spain’s era of tiki-taka football is over and this is the time for teams that play quick, counter attacking football.

#4 Italy v Uruguay - 24 June, Natal

This is one match that is a perfect example of Attack vs Defence.

Italysgoalkeeper Buffon says: You will have to sweat to beat Italy. His statement doesnt come as much of a surprise, considering Italy conceeded only 1 goal in the entire 2006 World Cupwhere they were crowned champions for the fourth time.

Uruguays Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani will have a tough job at hand breaking the very famous Italian defence and this match remains one of the most interesting matches of the group stage.

#5 Germany vs Portugal - 16 June, Salvador

This will one of the most eagerly awaited group stage matches inthe 2014 FIFA World Cup.A match where one of the greatest teams in the world faces one of the greatest players in the world.

Germany is a team that hunts together like a pack of wolves while Portugal is a one man army and all their hopes of winning the World Cup rest on Cristaino Ronaldo. Portugals playoff against Sweden was an indication of the brilliant things that Ronaldo can do on his own on a football pitch.

The game could well decide who finishes top of Group G, one of the tougher group in the tournament with the presence of USA and Ghana as well.