On Thursday, soccer fever will be spreading like crazy as the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off from Brazil.

Of course everyone is most excited for the round of 16, when a single-game elimination playoff will crown the world's best soccer team. But before we get there, let's first dissect the 10 best group matches to watch that will determine which teams will advance:

1. Brazil (3) vs Croatia (18)

Date: Thursday, June 12

Time: 4 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

This is a must-watch for all soccer fans, mainly because it is the opening game of the competition. It's unlikely Croatia can upset the powerhouse host nation, but if it's going to happen, this would be the best opportunity. Brazilian goaltender Júlio César is out to prove the doubters wrong.

2. Spain (1) vs Netherlands (15)

Date: Friday, June 13

Time: 3 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

Who wouldn't want to see this again? These two teams met in the Finals in the last FIFA World Cup in 2010. Spain was victorious 1-0 in a shootout. The Netherlands doesn't appear to be the dominant force they were four year ago, but this game has a physical contest written all over. It will be played in the East of Brazil, in Salvador at the Arena Fonte Nova.

3. Germany (2) vs Portugal (4)

Date: Monday, June 16

Time: 12 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

Theoretically speaking, this should be the best game of the first round. The Germans are big favorites by many in this year's World Cup. This is an interesting game, because many experts have their doubts on whether or not European teams can handle the heat. We will find on June, 16. This will be Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo's third consecutive World Cup appearance.

4. USA (13) vs Ghana (37)

Date: Monday, June 16

Time: 6 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

Don't let the FIFA World Cup Rankings fool you. Ghana has eliminated Team USA from the last two World Cups and both of these teams know that. Team USA can't take anything for granted, especially considering Landon Donovan won't be playing. It's going to be up to captain Clint Dempsey to lead this team.

5. Italy (9) vs England (10)

Date: Saturday, June 14

Time: 6 p.m.

TV: ESPN

A lot of people feel as if England is being overrated in the rankings. Maybe, maybe not. This is a big Group D matchup between two countries who have had their differences off the soccer field in the past. Uruguay will be watching closely. This game will be played in the furthest location, held in North West Brazil in the city of Manaus.

6. Uruguay (7) vs England (10)

Date: Thursday, June 19

Time: 3 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

Another big Group D showdown with huge implications. Can the English handle the heat or will the Uruguayan team dominate in São Paulo? Diego Forlán and captain Diego Lugano will be the two most watched players for Uruguay, while England's goalie, Joe Hart, will be under a lot of pressure.

7. USA (13) vs Germany (2)

Date: Thursday, June 26

Time: 12 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

This will be a big test for Team USA and a revisit for their head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who played on the German team that won the 1990 World Cup. Wonder if he knows any secrets about his former team?

8. Switzerland (6) vs France (17)

Date: Friday, June 20

Time: 3 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

France being ranked No. 17 was a surprise to many soccer fans and a huge shock to the French. France last won the World Cup in 1998, when they hosted the tournament, and like Germany, many wonder how they will handle the high temperatures. Switzerland doesn't have a superstar player, but they are very well balanced.

9. Ivory Coast (23) vs Columbia (8)

Date: Thursday, June 19

Time: 12 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

Columbia is probably the most underrated team in this year's World Cup. This is the first time since 1998 that they have qualified for the World Cup, but they're on a mission. Their defense, led by Mario Yepes, is what makes them a dangerous force. This game will be played in the capital of Brasilia.

10. Belgium (11) vs Algeria (22)

Date: Tuesday, June 17

Time: 12 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

Algeria is one of the five African nations heading to Brazil with a chance to win it all. It will be their first World Cup appearance since 1980. This is a Group H match-up between two average teams and it should be interesting. Belgium does not have the most experienced goaltenders in Thibaut Courtois and Simon Mignolet, but this defense is as good as it gets.

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