Group H is one that is passing under the radar as it does not contain any of the major contenders. Belgium and Russia are seen as favorites, but the group also contains South Korea and Algeria. The latter side has a huge task on its hands as it is undoubtedly the least favored side in the tournament. Can the Algerians surprise the world and make a run at the knockout rounds?
The conflict in Ukraine escalated to another level on Thursday when Russia announced it would be ramping up military exercises after the Kiev government confirmed that its forces were responsible for killing five pro-Russian militants.
England is expected to face some tough consequences if Scotland's Sept. 18 referendum results in a split from the UK, a union that has lasted for about three centuries.
Russia will make its hotly anticipated World Cup return in 2014 with hopes of creating and building experience ahead of its 2018 tournament. The Russians were drawn into a highly favorable group in 2014, but will the team finally overcome its rough history in the tournament?
"You can call yourself Republicans ... but don't call yourself Reagan Republicans," Republican Senator John McCain told some of his fellow GOP colleagues Thursday on the Senate floor, according to "Politico."
While the crisis in Ukraine hasn't resulted in on-the-ground war so far, a propaganda war has been raging between Russia and Ukraine. On Wednesday, RT anchor Liz Wahl's job became a casualty of that bloodless conflict, as she announced live, on-air that she could no longer be a part of the Russian state-funded news organization.
Cyber attacks between Russia and Ukraine have already occurred, but have reportedly been limited in scope. However, with the propaganda war ramping up and tensions increasing, a threat of a large-scale cyber war looms over the region, just as the threat of a ground war continues.
Russia closed its 2-week hosting of the winter games at Sochi with a bill amounting to $51 billion making it the most expensive Olympic hosting in history.
