Tonight's match between hosts Brazil and Croatia will open the 2014 World Cup in style at the Sao Paulo Arena
This is then followed by three further matches on Friday from 5pm. If that wasn't enough for you Saturday will be a day of Sport generally including Rugby, Cricket and Hockey, concluding with 3 more World Cup matches including England's first group match against Italy at 11pm (but preceded by the other match in the group). So if you aren't a fan of football or sport you really should have renewed your passport much earlier.
Economic Boost Based on England's Achievements in the World Cup
You might also be interested to learn that the UK economy stands to receive a boost dependent on England's progress. The Standard this week reported every goal England score in the World Cup could be worth £198 million, with even a second round exit worth £1.3bn in extra spending on celebrating and other related stuff.
England's Group (D)
Of course the main interest in the competition for English football fans is the plight of Roy Hodgson's team, including how they cope with the humid conditions, whether the stadiums are ready in some cases, the quality of the pitches. Not forgetting who will play and how well. The group is as follows.
- England
- Costa Rica
- Italy
- Uruguay
As mentioned England will play Italy this Saturday night at 11pm ITV at the Arena Amazonia a new stadium deep in the Amazon and with reportedly not great conditions at present, of course the Italians will have the same problem with the pitch, but may deal better with the climate.
Then Uruguay 19th June at the Arena de Sao Paulo all the way down to the Southern part of Brazil nearer Rio
and Costa Rica 24th June Estadio Mineirao which is also fairly close to Rio
First knock out stage - round of 16
Should England qualify to the first knock out stage, the 1st place in Group D play 2nd place C, 2nd place in Group D play first place Group C.
Group C is comprised of
- Columbia
- Greece
- Ivory Coast
- Japan
Then it's off to the quarter finals
So what's in it for Charlton Fans
Other than supporting the national side Charlton also have a player involved for the first time in many years. CAFC front man and Iran Striker Reza Ghoochannejhad will be the fourth ever current player to appear at the finals.
Iran's Group (F)
- Argentina
- Bosnia
- Iran
- Nigeria
First Match
Belgium
Finally anyone interested in the national team of our new owner Roland Duchatelet may be interested that Belgium are in the competition and boasting a wealth of home developed talent.
Group H
- Belgium
- Algeria
- Russia
- S.Korea
First Match
Algeria, Tuesday 17th June, 5pm ITV