Ellington

USA soccer has done a good job so far of getting the country invested in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This week, we have to wonder if Germany will do the U.S. and fellow countryman Jurgen Klinsmann a solid, and play for the tie on Thursday.

Thursday, June 26

Soccer (11a.m.-1p.m., ESPN/ESPN2): The U.S. can advance to the knockout stage with a win or draw against Germany on ESPN, but a loss opens the door for Ghana or Portugal on ESPN2.

Friday, June 27

Tennis (6a.m.-4p.m., ESPN): The World Cup takes a day off, so enjoy some tennis at the All England Club for the 2014 Wimbledon Championships.

Saturday, June 28

Soccer (11a.m-1p.m., ABC): The knockout stage of the World Cup begins with the winner of Group A facing the second-place team from Group B. ... Soccer (3-5p.m., ABC): The World Cup win-or-go-home continues with the Group C winner facing the runner-up from Group D.

Sunday, June 29

Soccer (11a.m.-1p.m., ESPN): The World Cup round of 16 continues when the winner of Group B faces the runner up of Group A ... Soccer (3-5p.m., ESPN): The winner of Group D faces the second-place finisher of Group C as the World Cup knockout stage hits its halfway point.

Monday, June 30

Soccer (11a.m.-1p.m., ESPN): The knockout stage of the World Cup keeps going with the first-place team in Group E facing the second-place team of Group F.

Tuesday, July 1

Soccer (11a.m.-1p.m., ESPN): The last day of the World Cup round of 16 begins with the winner of Group F taking on the runner up of Group E.

Wednesday, July 2

Tennis (7-a.m.-2p.m., ESPN/ESPN2): The World Cup takes another day off. As the 2014 Wimbledon Championship rolls on, you can fill your day with more tennis from the All England Club.

July brings us a month closer to preseason NFL football. By the time the World Cup wraps up, football will be knocking on the door.