FRIDAY:
GROUP A
QATAR V SENEGAL
Qatar were poor in their opening game against Ecuador where they probably realised the gulf in class between themselves and the teams they'll be facing. They just don't have the quality to compete at this kind of tournament and I can very much see them finishing bottom of their group.
Senegal started on the front foot in their opening game against Holland but in the end didn't do enough to get anything from it. You could tell that they missed Sadio Mane as he would've offered them more of a goal threat had he been available.
Some aspects of their performance will give them some confidence going into this game where they should have more luck in front of goal. Especially after Qatar's poor performance defensively against Ecuador.
PREDICTION: 0-2
I think Senegal will win here as I think they'll have more joy in front of goal than they did against the Dutch. They're not a side who score a lot of goals and especially without Sadio Mane. But with Qatar looking shaky at the back against Ecuador, I think the AFCON champions can make the most of that here.
HOLLAND V ECUADOR
Holland looked flat for much of their opening game against Senegal up until the final moments of the game. Moving Cody Gakpo to a more advanced position helped as he made more of an impact once he was moved there after struggling to impact the game early on in that central midfield position he was playing.
My only worry for the Dutch is their lack of a killer finisher in the box. They had one or two moments against Senegal where they got the ball into the box only to find no one there to put the ball in the net. They used to have that kind of player in Robin Van Persie and Marco Van Basten but now they have arguably their worst set of forward players in a long time.
Ecuador taught Qatar a lesson in their opening game and particularly in the first half where they were in complete control. Enner Valencia looked lively and I do hope he'll be fit for this one after going off with an injury later on.
They'll be expecting a tougher game here against the Dutch because of the quality of opposition being much greater. They will have gained a lot of confidence from the Qatar win but this one will be very different with the Dutch likely to have more of the ball.
PREDICTION: 2-0
I'm backing the Dutch to win here because they have more quality in their side than Qatar. I can't see it being an ideal performance from them as Ecuador will get men behind the ball but I think they'll still find a way to win like they did against Senegal.
GROUP B
WALES V IRAN
Wales looked a completely different side in the second half against the USA as they played more on the front foot and committed more men forward than they did in the entire first half. The substitutions certainly helped and particularly Kieffer Moore whose presence up top caused the USA defence one or two problems.
The result and performance from that game will no doubt give them something to build on going into this game which is a game that they need to win. This one is their most winnable game in the group and they'll want to carry some confidence into their final game against England.
Iran got completely torn apart by England in their opening game where they simply had no answer to their class and movement. Losing their keeper early on obviously didn't help but they'll still need to go back to basics on the training ground if they're to avoid another humiliating defeat in this one.
PREDICTION: 3-0
I fancy Wales to win this one because I can see them carry the confidence gained form their second half performance against the USA into this game. Kieffer Moore has to start after his cameo off the bench against the USA and I think he'll make a difference here with Iran expected to defend deep.
ENGLAND V USA
The last meeting between these sides at a World Cup was back in 2010 with Rob Green's goalkeeping howler being the main talking point. That mistake cost England the game back then and he was immediately replaced by David James.
England got off to the perfect start against Iran in their opening game and their performance will no doubt give them a lot of confidence going into this game. They got in behind the Iran backline many times with the pace of their wide men and the midfield also controlled the game very well.
Something tells me that England will switch to a back three for this game as the USA are a team who like to have possession of the ball. With some people questioning England defensively as well, it wouldn't surprise me if Southgate does play with a back three for this game.
USA were completely dominant in the first half of their opening game against Wales as they didn't let the Welsh out and were in complete control of the game at the time. In the second half they were tested more and at times couldn't cope with the Wales pressure.
PREDICTION: 2-1
I'm backing another England win here but I don't think it will be as comfortable as their win over Iran. The USA will be a tougher test for Gareth Southgate and his team as they're a team who like to have possession of the ball. But with the attacking options England have on their bench as well as on the pitch, I think they'll edge this one.
SATURDAY:
GROUP C
POLAND V SAUDI ARABIA
Poland struggled to get Robert Lewandowski into the game against Mexico as they simply did not do enough going forward to win the game. They never got crosses into the box when he was there and had they done that, it would've been a completely different game.
Saudi Arabia caused arguably the biggest shock in World Cup history with their opening game win over Argentina which will give them a lot of confidence going into this one. They started the second half on the front foot and from that they got their goals before putting in a disciplined display during the final moments.
They'll need to put in that sort of performance in this game as they'll be up against one of the best strikers in the world in Robert Lewandowski. Poland may not be the most creative team but Saudi still need to be disciplined and well organised if they're to get another result like the one they got against Argentina.
PREDICTION: 2-0
I'm backing Poland to win this one because I think Lewandowski will finally come to party here. Saudi Arabia will be full of confidence after their win over Argentina, but I feel that Poland can get at them defensively like Argentina did in the first half. With Lewandowski leading their attack, they have every chance of doing that.
ARGENTINA V MEXICO
Argentina must've been shell shocked after their opening game defeat to Saudi Arabia which was a result that no one saw coming. I felt that they were a bit fortunate to lose that game after having three goals disallowed for offside. Two of them were the correct decision but the other one in my opinion should've been given.
They need to respond here and especially after a shock result like that. Lionel Scaloni will no doubt have got them working hard on the training field since the Saudi Arabia game and he'll surely be hoping for a better showing from his team in this game.
Mexico didn't really offer enough in the final third in their opening game against Poland which will worry them going into this game. They did have a lot of chances on the day but overall were not convincing enough in the final third of the pitch.
Their lack of a clinical striker could be what costs them at this World Cup as Henry Martin was simply not in the game whilst Raul Jimenez who later came on struggled to make a serious impact. They had a clinical no.9 at the last two World Cup's in Javier Hernandez. But he is now retired.
PREDICTION: 2-0
I'm backing Argentina to bounce back here as they have the players to do so. Mexico will try and make it difficult for them defensively but with the forward players they have, Argentina should still have enough quality to win the game.
GROUP D
TUNISIA V AUSTRALIA
Tunisia made a bright start in their opening game against Denmark where they also made some good chances early on. They would've gained a lot of heart from their performance during the opening stages and if they play like that in this one, they have a good chance of getting something.
I was surprised that Wahbi Khazri didn't play as I had him down as Tunisia's go-to player going into this tournament. Maybe he'll play in this one and give the that attacking spark they need.
Australia made a decent start against France in their opening game as they went ahead but where in the end beaten by a side with a lot of quality. They showed some fight at times during the game but the quality of the French was just too much for them.
PREDICTION: 0-0
Both sides don't have a lot of goals in them but they do have midfielders who will work hard for the team. Because of that I can see this being a scrappy game so I'm going for a goalless draw.
FRANCE V DENMARK
France really showed their class against Australia in their opening game and particularly going forward. Kylian Mbappe was a joy to watch as he always is and Olivier Giroud stepped up in the absence of Benzema by putting in a strikers performances with his two goals and presence in the box.
There were a lot of questions about the French going into this tournament in regards to the injuries they had and the harmony in the dressing room which has been a concern for them in the past. They looked very much like a team against Australia and I don't see the winners curse striking them after that kind of showing.
Denmark were a bit flat against Tunisia that Christian Eriksen struggled to make any sort of impact. The Danes did have some good chances on the day including a disallowed goal for outside but their performance was still off the pace.
The Danes beat France both times during their Nations League qualifying campaign which will give them a lot of confidence going into this game. But they will however expect a different game here as the French will be in the mood after their win over Australia and wanting revenge for those defeats.
PREDICTION: 2-1
I'm backing France to win here because I think they'll have just enough quality to win the game. Denmark will make it a close game as they're decent defensively and will fancy themselves to beat the French again. But I think Didier Deschamps' side will get themselves over the line with the quality they have.
SUNDAY:
GROUP E
JAPAN V COSTA RICA
Japan will really fancy themselves to qualify from the group after beating Germany in their opening game which will give them a lot of confidence. They have the chance to book their place in the last 16 if they win this game which is their most winnable in the group.
They were helped massively by Germany's poor finishing which they took advantage of by going up the other end and scoring two to win the game. They stayed firm defensively when the Germans had those chances with their keeper making some good saves to keep them in the game.
Costa Rica got completely pummelled in their opening game against Spain where they were never in the game. They offered no serious threat and had no answer to the Spain's movement off the ball and quick passing.
They should have more of a go here as Japan don't dominate a game like Spain do. But after losing by such a big margin, their confidence will be shot to pieces.
PREDICTION: 3-0
I fancy Japan to win this one because they'll have a lot of confidence on board after beating Germany and they should also have enough quality in them to win the game. They have forward players who can cause defenders all kinds of problems and I can very much see them do that to Costa Rica in this game.
SPAIN V GERMANY
Spain were excellent from start to finish against Costa Rica where they were dominant right throughout the game. It was arguably their best performance at a major finals for a number of years given how dominant they were and how well they passed the ball around.
They might start seeing themselves as contenders to win this tournament after a performance and result like that and many others will probably be thinking the same. Their squad obviously has a lot of potential with the young talent they have and their performance against Costa Rica will give them a lot of confidence going into this game.
This is a massive game for Germany and one that they must not lose. They lost their opening game to Japan and they could find themselves out of the tournament if they lose this game.
They'll be kicking themselves for not taking their chances against Japan as they had many whilst they were a goal up. But they couldn't take them and it eventually came back to bite them as they ended up losing the game.
PREDICTION: 3-1
I've got to back Spain here and especially after their win over Costa Rica. Germany have some flaws in their defence and with the way that Spain can pick teams apart with their pass and move style of play, I can see them win this game reasonably comfortably.
GROUP F
BELGIUM V MOROCCO
Belgium were not at their best in their opening game against Canada but they still got the win which is all that matters to them. They looked a bit shaky in the first half with the pressure that they were put under by the Canadians and they also had Thibaut Courtois to thank on a number of occasions.
They showed signs that they're an ageing team against Canada and Roberto Martinez will need a much stronger showing from his team in this one. Particularly from his key players like Kevin De Bruyne who had a rare off day against Canada.
Morocco defended well in their opening game against Croatia where they would've been happy with the draw. They would've liked to offer a bit more going forward but their defensive display will give them some encouragement going into this game.
They might go for it a bit more in this game as Belgium's backline is ageing and lacking pace. With the pace they have in Ziyech and Boufal from wide areas they have a good chance of causing the Belgium defence one or two problems. Especially after watching Canada give them a tough time.
PREDICTION: 2-1
I'm backing Belgium to win this one because they'll have just enough quality to win the game. Morocco will make it uncomfortable for them with the pace they have in their attack but Robert Martinez's side should still edge it with the quality they have.
CROATIA V CANADA
It was a tough opening game for Croatia against Morocco as they struggled to create any clear cut chances right throughout the game. Morocco do deserve credit for the way they defended but from a Croatia point of view it wasn't their best performance.
They might have a bit more luck in this game as Canada are likely to play open and expansive which is likely to leave some holes in their defence. They might get pushed back early on with the Canadian's being a much younger team but they should still pick them off on the counter.
Canada did themselves proud with their performance against Belgium where they were unlucky not to come away with a result. They pressed Belgium very high early on and caused them many problems with the pace and energy they have in their team.
Their performance will give them a lot of confidence going into this game and especially as Croatia are an ageing team like Belgium. But their poor finishing from that game will be a concern for them and something they have hopefully worked on in training.
PREDICTION: 2-0
I can see Canada put in another good shift here. But I think Croatia will come away with the win as they have more experience at this level. They are an ageing team but with the quality and experience they have at this level, they should win this one.
MONDAY:
GROUP G
CAMEROON V SERBIA
Cameroon had some good chances in their opening game against Switzerland where they put in a decent display and were unlucky not to come away with a result. They were arguably the better side in the first half and their performance will be a massive plus for them going into this game.
Serbia defended well for much for their opening game against Brazil and particularly in the first half where they frustrated them. They didn't create many clear cut chances at the other end but their performance from a defensive point of view will please their manager.
They should definitely give it more of a go here as Cameroon are not a side who will dominate a game like Brazil. They might set themselves to be defensive as Cameroon are an attacking team but Serbia should still go for it with the attacking players they have.
PREDICTION: 0-2
I fancy Serbia to win this one because they'll have enough quality going forward to win the game. They're a solid team defensively as well and because of that I can see them keep a clean sheet alongside winning the game with the attacking talent they have.
BRAZIL V SWITZERLAND
Brazil lacked a bit of rhythm in the first half against Serbia they struggled to penetrate an organised Serbian defence and couldn't put a strong of passes together. But they did look more like themselves in the second half as they looked more of a threat and moved the ball a lot of quicker.
Neymar going off with a knock towards the end of that game will be a concern not as big as you would think. This is because of the strength in depth they have. They have some quality options in their attack who are more than capable of making a difference.
Switzerland had to dig deep for their opening game victory over Cameroon with the latter having some good chances early on and at crucial moments during the game. They remained resolute defensively throughout and they took their chance when it mattered most. This is all that mattered to them on the day.
The Swiss earned themselves a surprise draw when they met Brazil at the last World Cup but getting another one here will be more challenging. They'll be up against a much stronger Brazil side in this game which will make their task of keeping up their good start at this tournament very challenging.
PREDICTION: 2-0
I'm backing Brazil to win here because they should have more than enough quality both on the pitch and the bench to win the game. The Swiss will make it difficult for them as they're solid defensively but with the options that Brazil have on their bench, they should have no problems in wining this game.
GROUP H
SOUTH KOREA V GHANA
South Korea were resolute in their draw with Uruguay in their opening game as they limited them to very few clear cut chances. It was the same case for them when they went forward as they too struggled in the final third despite a strong showing in the first half.
Their draw from that game will give them something to build on and some belief that they can make it out the group. A win from this game will give them a very good chance of doing that as it will give them a lot of confidence going into their final game with Portugal.
Ghana should feel proud of their performance in their opening game against Portugal where they were close to salvaging an unlikely draw. They gave it more of a go in the second half as they had some decent chances and caused the Portugal backline one or two problems as the game began to open up.
I do worry about them defensively though as Portugal did get in behind their defence on a couple of occasions. With South Korea having pace in their attack, Ghana will need to be more alert in this game defensively.
PREDICTION: 1-0
I can't see this being a great game as I can see both sides set themselves up to be resolute and difficult to beat. But I do think South Korea will come away with the win as they have that quality in the final third from Son Heung Min. With him in their side, you'll always have a chance.
PORTUGAL V URUGUAY
Portugal were close to letting the three points slip away from them against Ghana with their keeper's late error nearly costing them. But they did get the win they came for and it was their quality that saw them through in the end.
Fernando Santos will be desperate for his side to win this game as it will guarantee them a place in the last 16 and top spot in the group. They haven't finished top of their group since 2006 and a win here will give them a lot of confidence that they can go far in this tournament. Especially with their potential last 16 opponent likely to be against a winnable opponent.
Uruguay were frustrating in the final third against South Korea as they struggled to create any real clear cut chances. They did go close on some occasions with Diego Godin's header in the first half arguably being their best effort. But overall they didn't test the keeper enough.
They beat Portugal at the last World Cup in the last 16 with Edinson Cavani getting both goals. He probably won't start this one as Darwin Nunez is the preferred choice to partner Luis Suarez up top. But if Uruguay are in need of a goal, they'll no doubt call on him because of his experience and his ability to score goals at crucial moments.
PREDICTION: 0-2
This one should be a close game as both sides look solid defensively and have some quality attacking players. I'm going with Uruguay to take the win here as they'll have enough defensively to keep Ronaldo and co. quiet and they also have a couple of strikers who can win them a game in Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez.
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