MONDAY'S GAMES
Brazil vs. Mexico
9 a.m. • Samara, Russia • Ch. 9
The mercurial Mexico side that knocked off Germany and South Korea but got hammered by Sweden takes on Brazil, with Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and a lineup finding its form. Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa leads the tournament with 17 saves, but El Tri will be without center back Hector Moreno (yellow-card suspension). Brazil gets back right back Danilo, who missed the past two games because of a hip injury, but loses Marcelo (back spasms).
BELGIUM vs. Japan
1 p.m. • Rostov-on-Don, Russia • Ch. 9
Belgium, one of the few top-tier teams to deliver on its hype when it went 3-0 in the group stage, takes on a team that sneaked out of its group because it got fewer yellow cards than Senegal. Japan is ranked 61st in the world; Belgium is No. 3. Belgium leans on Eden Hazard, a 27-year-old Chelsea star who has 24 international goals. Japan lacks star power, but Belgium coach Roberto Martinez called its players "footballers with incredible energy."
Tuesday: Sweden vs. Switzerland, 9 a.m., FS1; Colombia vs. England, 1 p.m., Ch. 9.
Friday: quarterfinals begin
