Two nations chasing World Cup glory will do battle today in a match between Belgium and Russia. The 2014 World Cup group-stage match scheduled for 12 p.m. ET will be held at the Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro and can be live streamed here free. A free Spanish language stream of the match can be found here. Free radio coverage here. Additional TV coverage can be found on ESPN, Univision and ESPN Deportes.
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After sparking a remarkable comeback against Algeria, Belgium returns to the pitch today with hopes of qualifying for the Round of 16. A quality performance from center-back Vincent Kompany will be required. Fortunately for the team, the Manchester City man has ambitions to fulfill his Maracana dream.
"I'm doing very well. I've followed an individual program these last two days. Today, I'm training with the team. If everything goes well, there won't be any problems for tomorrow [Sunday]," Kompany said (via FIFA). "In the worst case, there are valuable players who can replace me. My personal situation is not the most important thing," he added.
"Playing at the Maracana is an honor, a source of pride. With Wembley, it's the most mythical stadium in the world. I've already achieved lots of my childhood dreams. This is another one."
Will Kompany be able to live out his dream with a victory over a Russia? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: The man Kompany will be responsible for marking on Sunday is striker Alexander Kerzhakov. The 31-year-old made 19 appearances in the Russian Premier League, finishing with six goals and two assists.
Belgium's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Vertonghen, Buyten, Kompany, Alderweireld; Fellaini, Witsel; Hazard, Bruyne, Mertens; Lukaku
Russia's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Akinfeev; Kombarov, Ignashevich, Berezutski, Eshchenko; Glushakov, Denisov; Kokorin, Dzagoev, Samedov; Kerzhakov
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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