The United States opens World Cup 2014 at 6 p.m. (local time) Monday versus Ghana.
The group from which the United States must advance, Group G, also includes Germany and Portugal—a set of teams that some have dubbed the “Group of Death” for its prowess (while others argue Group B is more difficult, with defending champions Spain, Netherlands, Chile and Australia).
The U.S. squad has been ranked #13 overall by FIFA, while Germany is #2 and Portugal #4. Americans that many will recognize from the World Cup roster include DaMarcus Beasley, Brad Davis and Clint Dempsey.
The question of who will advance will be open at 6 p.m. this Sunday when the United States plays its second group match, versus mighty Portugal.
Thanks to a joint effort of the New Canaan Soccer Association with support from the Local First Fund of the New Canaan Community Foundation, Town of New Canaan, New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, Realty Guild and ESPN, townies will have one central place where footie fans can gather as a family to watch that match (and “Air Bud: World Pup” will be screened directly afterward).
The Pop Up Park at the final block of South Avenue heading into town will feature a World Cup 2014 theme this weekend, and as New Canaan’s highest elected official notes in the video above, it will include three large-screen TVs as well as a protective tent overhead in case of rain.
Here’s a Q&A with more information from some event organizers.
[Editor’s Note: We originally had the wrong date on the US-Portugal World Cup match—it’s on Sunday, not Saturday.]