A rundown of the World Cup games to watch Friday:
Mexico vs. Cameroon
Noon, ESPN2
Estadio das Dunas, Natal
Favorite: Mexico
After needing help from the U.S. and a playoff win to qualify, Mexico will get new life in Brazil. The Mexicans’ play has improved, but they have had midfield injuries, and the one lingering question still remains: Who is going to put the ball in the back of the net? Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, El Tri’s third all-time leading scorer with 35 goals, may find himself benched Friday.
Cameroon is unpredictable, earning a tie in a road friendly in Germany but losing to Panama and seeing its players nearly boycott the World Cup over bonus payments. Now that they’re there, they will create chances but have to finish. That means relying on veteran forward Samuel Eto’o.
Spain vs. Netherlands
3 p.m., ESPN
Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
Favorite: Spain
Just two days into the World Cup — and one game into tough Group B — and we already have a rematch of the final in South Africa four years ago. The Netherlands shockingly went against its DNA in that 2010 clash, playing negatively, and it didn’t work, Spain coming away with the title on an extra-time goal by midfielder Andres Iniesta. Now, Spain — going for a fourth straight major title — has Iniesta back, as well as a tough call at striker between Diego Costa, who was sidelined by a hamstring injury at the end of the league season, and David Villa, who signed with the expansion New York City FC of the MLS.
The Dutch team’s internal bickering is intriguing. Can coach Luis van Gaal keep it under control, considering he has one foot out the door headed for Manchester United?
Chile vs. Australia
6 p.m., ESPN2
Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba
Favorite: Chile
Arturo Vidal is vital in Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli’s caution-to-the-wind 3-4-3 formation, so it can’t be a good sign that his knee flared up in practice last week. Still, they will be heavily favored in this one and are tabbed by many to survive a tough Group B that includes defending champ Spain and the Netherlands. Few are giving Australia a chance to upset Chile, much less advance. If coach Ange Postecoglou’s side has any hope of pulling off a surprise, they will need to get great performances from Red Bulls talisman Tim Cahill — their all-time leading scorer — and Crystal Palace’s Mile Jedinak.