A rundown of the World Cup games Saturday:
Argentina vs. Iran
Noon, ESPN
at Belo Horizonte
Favorite: Argentina
Sure, Argentina won its opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but it needs to improve. Iran, coached by former MetroStars manager Carlos Queiroz and as big an underdog as any in the group stage, should be just the ticket. With Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo not 100 percent, Lionel Messi can steal the stage as the world’s best player.
Germany vs. Ghana
3 p.m., ESPN
at Fortaleza
Favorite: Germany
Germany routed Portugal 4-0, but has a habit of winning its opener only to struggle in its second game (drawing in 1994, 1998 and 2002, losing in 2010). If Germany’s Mats Hummels (thigh) can’t go, Jerome Boateng moves inside and Shkodran Mustafi could get the nod. Boateng’s half -brother, Kevin Prince-Boateng, plays for Ghana, which could also move Kwadwo Asamoah from left-back to midfield for more creativity.
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Nigeria
6 p.m., ESPN
at Cuiaba
Favorite: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bosnia-Herzegovina won’t have to deal with Messi this time. Vedad Ibisevic, who scored off the bench versus Argentina, could get a start alongside Edin Dzeko in a two-striker formation that worked well in qualifying. African champ Nigeria lacked ideas offensively in a 0-0 draw against Iran, and is playing with heavy hearts after Tuesday’s suicide bombing killed 21 people at a World Cup viewing site back home. Defender Godfrey Oboabona (ankle) is in question.