Today’s World Cup Matches

Portugal Among Teams in Desperate Need of a Win

Belgium vs. Russia, 12 p.m.: Belgium hopes to get its offense cranked up a bit earlier in this game, before the substitutes start coming in late in the second half. Two of them, Marouane Fellaini and Dries Merten, provided the goals that lifted Belgium over Algeria. Russia also got its only goal in a draw against South Korea from a sub, Alan Dzagoev. A draw may be enough for these two teams to advance.

South Korea vs. Algeria, 3 p.m.: Algeria scored but was outshot, 17-3, by Belgium and showed little attacking invention (or attacking at all, really). South Korea played to a scrappy draw against Russia and will expect to improve significantly against this opponent. Each team needs to win. A draw would give the upper hand in the group to Belgium and Russia.

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United States vs. Portugal, 6 p.m.: Portugal desperately needs a win after its thrashing by Germany, and all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo to see if his knee injury limits his effectiveness. The United States would be happy with a draw after its morale-boosting win over Ghana, but it will need a serious upgrade in its ball possession to make that happen.