Fifa World Cup: Five pool matches you must watch

Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj is one of several Belgium players plying their trade in England. Photo / AP

Brazil v Croatia
Group A

Sao Paulo, Friday, 8am
The first game of the World Cup could set the tone, not just for Brazil but for the tournament. Can the Selecao deal with expectation? Are they good enough? Will the stadium be finished? Croatia will be no pushovers with Luka Modric in midfield and Mario Mandzukic up front.

Spain v Holland
Group B

Salvador, Saturday, 7am
A repeat of the 2010 final, but hopefully with a bit of football thrown in. Neither team are as strong as four years ago but Spain's big plus is the recruitment of Diego Costa, assuming he is fit. There will be plenty of interest in Louis van Gaal, the new Manchester United manager and, even if this Dutch side do not appear to be contenders, they do have Robin van Persie in prime condition.

England v Italy
Group D

Manaus, Sunday, 10am
It is a daunting start for England and not just because of the quality of their opponents. This is a journey into the unknown given the conditions they will also face in the capital of Amazonas. Italy have not won in seven but England have also not beaten them in five, and never looked close to doing so at Euro 2012. In Mario Balotelli and Wayne Rooney there are two players who can light up the Cup, or stink it out.

Germany v Portugal
Group G

Salvador, June 17, 4am
Possibly the most fascinating match of the round, particularly if Cristiano Ronaldo shrugs off a bout of tendinitis. If he can hit the ground running it could be extremely exciting, but he could hardly have asked for a sterner test. The Germans brim with talent: they averaged 3.6 goals per game in qualifying.

Belgium v Russia
Group H

Rio de Janeiro, June 23, 4am
Can Fabio Capello stop the exciting Belgians? The latter are everyone's dark horses and there is no doubting their ability. There is plenty of Premier League interest in the squad, including Adnan Januzaj from Manchester United. Russia look average, but Capello will want to atone for his disaster with England four years ago.