As we get into the mid-section of the group stage there are some days full of multiple games of importance. In fact, almost every day we mention a second game that will either be decisive for the group or features an impressive team.

Day 6 – Wednesday June 16

 South Africa v Uruguay

 While watching the dynamic Spaniards dismantle Switzerland is tempting, this match will help decide a more balanced group. Everyone in Group A tied in their first go around. Now Uruguay will have to try and steal some points against the home team. There's a significant advantage for South Africa, a team many believe to be the weakest hosts ever. During the Mexico match the stadium seemed electric. That atmosphere is the reason why the World Cup host nation has never failed to advance to the second round. Will Forlan and Suarez be able to communicate well enough to open up the inferior South African defense? Will Stephen Pienaar and Bafana Bafana be able to ride the wave of support to another draw? Or even victory?

 What to watch for:

 - Forlan and Suarez. These two forwards are the key to Uruguay's World Cup hopes. In any other situation they would probably dismantle South Africa's defense. But with the ultimate home-field advantage, they may find it too difficult to coordinate an attack.

- The home crowd. It will get loud. Be happy you're watching from home.

 Day 7 - Thursday June 17

 Argentina v South Korea

 We don't want to be too heavy on one group, so well take a pass on France v Mexico though it should be exciting. Group B's leaders: Argentina and South Korea have opposing strengths. The striker heavy Argentina will attempt to defend with possession and offense, as they did against Nigeria. The reserved South Koreans play a defensive disciplined style with, as Greece found out, a dangerous counter attack. The winner of this match will end up in first place in the group. It will be interesting to see if South Korea can frustrate Maradona's squad and force them into a tactical mistake.

 What to watch for:

 - Park Ji-Sung. If you've ever wondered why Alex Ferguson loves starting Park in the Champions League, you got your answer when he scored against Greece. If South Korea is planning on taking the group, they'll need this Manchester United midfielder to weave some more of his clutch magic.

 - Can Lionel Messi owned the match against Nigeria. Yet Argentina only mustered 1 goal, despite starting Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuian up front. Maradona knows (at least we think he does) that Messi is his key to victory in South Africa. Will he give Sergio Aguero or Diego Milito a shot at complementing Lionel's brilliance?

Day 8 – Friday June 18

 Germany v Serbia

 We'll assume you'll be already be watching US v Slovenia. A game which features an underdog leading their group (Slovenia) versus a higher ranked opponent who tied the group's best squad (US). And although the US predicament sounds similar, Serbia is in far more trouble. Serbia was a favorite to surprise in the World Cup after winning a tough qualifying group featuring France, Romania, and Austria. But in their first game they failed to secure a point. Now they must defeat Germany. Because if Ghana wins against Australia, Serbia could be eliminated before their final match.

 What to watch for:

 - German forwards. Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose looked 5 years younger against the Australian defense. The younger Germans capitalized once the Socceroos went down a man. How will they fare against a sturdier, Nemanja Vidic led, defense?

 - Serbian attack. The Serbians struggled when presenting with opportunities against Ghana. They will have to prove more accurate versus Philip Lahm and the German D, whom didn't have to exert too much effort against Austrailia.

Day 9 – Saturday June 19

 Netherlands v Japan

 Japan made themselves a contender for Group E by knocking off Cameroon in their first match. Now they'll use their defensive approach against the attacking Dutch. Both squads come into this game tied for the lead with 3 points in this deceptively strong group. The Netherlands are favored to win, but the Japanese may clog the passing lanes and stymie their creativity. Although it's tempting to think that the Japanese may play for a tie, the fear of losing on a late goal will probably too strong to ignore. If Denmark secures a victory against Cameroon and Japan loses, it sets up a tough match for the Samurai Blue.

What to watch for:

- Midfield. In order to stop the momentum of the Dutch attack the Japanese will need to halt the Orange's ridiculously high passing percentage. If the Japanese let Sneijder, Van der Vaart and company control the tempo, they won't be able to keep the Dutch away from net for long.

- Dutch defense. If the Dutch have a weak spot, it's on the back line. Japan may be forced to play on the defensive the entire match, but with a couple good counters they could exploit the Orange backline.

Day 10 – Sunday June 20

Brazil v Ivory Coast

Two of the powers from the “Group of Death” will be tangling on Sunday. Powerhouse Brazil displays supreme talent at all aspects of the game. The Ivory Coast is the most talented side on the continent, but they're dealing with an injury to star striker Didier Drogba. Brazil will be favored to win, but it won't be easy. The Toures on Ivory Coast's backline will prove tough for the Brazillian forwards to deal with. And if Drogba can go full strength, he's more than capable of reeking havoc, even on one of the best defenses in the game.

What to watch for:

- Will Brazil miss the experience of Ronaldinho? Robinho, Fabiano, and company, are a hard group to find fault with. But against a tough opponent a little experience could have gone a long way.

- Drogba vs the Inter Milan 3. Drogba is usually the type of player who can make his presence felt against any opponent, no matter how strong. However, he struggled to do so in the UEFA Champions League against Inter Milan. Now, with a broken arm, he'll be forced to match up against Lucio, Maicon, and Julio Cesar again.