TUESDAY:
GROUP A
ECUADOR V SENEGAL
Ecuador got a deserved draw last time out against Holland where they showed good character to get themselves back into the game. They were arguably the better side on the day as they had more shots and the better chances.
Seeing Enner Valencia leave on a stretcher was a massive blow for them and I don't see him play in this one unlike the last game. He was walking ok when he came off the pitch but I'm not sure he's going to be 100% fit to play in this one.
Senegal got themselves off the mark with their win over Qatar which was an all around good performance. They were clinical in front of goal when they had their chances and made the most of some poor Qatar defending.
They'll know that this game is a must win for them as victory here will send them into the last 16. Anything less won't be enough as Ecuador are just a point above them.
PREDICTION: 0-1
With Enner Valencia likely to be out for Ecuador, I'm backing Senegal to win here and book their place in the last 16. Valencia gives the Ecuadorian's that cutting edge up top when he plays and with Senegal having a solid defence, I can see Ecuador struggle here in front of goal.
HOLLAND V QATAR
I was disappointed with the Dutch against Ecuador as they didn't offer enough going forward. They rarely troubled the Ecuador defence and I'm starting to think that the current attacking players they have are among the worst they've had for a long time.
They haven't looked at all convincing at this World Cup performance wise which will concern Louis Van Gaal. They'll still win the group but given their performances from both of their games so far, I'm not sure that they're going to go very far.
Qatar put in a much improved performance against Senegal as they created some good chances and scored their first goal. But it wasn't enough for them as they lost the game and went out the tournament becoming the first host nation to lose both of their opening games.
They'll go into this one looking to play some pride and a bit of freedom as that is all they have to play for. It has been a poor tournament for them and they'll just want to end it with a good performance and some positivity.
PREDICTION: 3-0
I've got to back Holland here because they'll have more than enough quality to win the game. They haven't been a convincing team to watch at this tournament but they should still win this one comfortably as Qatar are terrible defensively and the Dutch are far more superior in quality.
GROUP B
IRAN V USA
Iran deservedly beat Wales in their previous game as they had the better chances and looked the much better side on the day. That win will no doubt be one to savour for their fans given their situation back home.
They'll go into this game with a lot of confidence knowing that a win will see them into the last 16 for the first time ever at a World Cup. But they'll be expecting a much tougher game as the USA are very well drilled and like to have possession of the ball.
USA were very good against England but only came away with a draw. They caused England problems on a number of occasions and were much better in every department. But couldn't score for which they'll be disappointed with.
They may be yet to win a game at this World Cup but some aspects of their performances have been encouraging. They've had long periods of dominance in both of their games so far and they need to try and make it last longer if they're to get the three points here.
PREDICTION: 0-2
I'm backing USA to win here because I can see them make the most of their dominance. They haven't quite made the most of it in both of their games at this tournament but with Iran likely to sit back and the USA having quick wide-men who can run in behind, they should finally get a win they deserve.
WALES V ENGLAND
I felt sorry for Wales after their defeat to Iran with the late goals they conceded after keeping the score at 0-0 for almost the entire contest. The sending off didn't help them but for them to concede in stoppage time after staying in the game for so long is cruel.
Their confidence must be shattered going into this game and it's up to Rob Page to get his players on their feet and ready for this tough game. They simply need to win this one to stay in the tournament.
England need to show a response after a static performance against the USA which was poor all round. There was no work rate both on and off the ball and I was very surprised that Phil Foden didn't even come on. He's one of the most creative players England have is someone who would've made a huge difference had he played.
I'm expecting Southgate to make one or two changes for this game and he has to after that drab performance on Friday. They will be expecting a different kind of game compared to the USA one but I still think Southgate should make some changes to freshen the team up.
PREDICTION: 0-2
I'm backing England to respond here and win this game reasonably comfortably as Wales might be low on confidence after their cruel defeat to Iran. They'll hopefully make some changes and with the quality they have in forward positions, they should have no problems in winning this game.
WEDNESDAY:
GROUP C
POLAND V ARGENTINA
Poland had to dig deep for their win over Saudi Arabia who piled a lot of pressure on them in the early stages. It was good to see Robert Lewandowski finally score his first World Cup goal in that game in what was a good all round performance from him.
That win over Saudi Arabia will give them a lot of confidence going into this game knowing that a victory here will guarantee them both a last 16 place and top spot in the group. They can't afford to let this opportunity pass them by.
Argentina were far from their best in their win over Mexico and even Lionel Messi wasn't having his best game up until he provided that moment of magic to put them ahead. That moment changed the game as it gave Argentina the confidence to win it despite not playing at their best.
We may have to wait to see Argentina at their best after a mixed start for them. The win ovver Mexico will give them confidence but they might be saving their best performance for another game later in the tournament if they get that far.
PREDICTION: 0-1
I can see this being a dogged game as Poland will set themselves up to be difficult to beat whilst Argentina will try and find ways to break them down. I think Argentina will win though as I can see a moment of magic from Lionel Messi deciding the game. But it won't be a pretty watch.
SAUDI ARABIA V MEXICO
Saudi Arabia will be kicking themselves for not getting anything against Poland as they had a number of good chances. They'll be happy with their performance as they caused the Polish problems early on with their intensity but they'll disappointed that they missed a host of good opportunities.
Saudi are very much looking like a team with an identity after two good performances from their team so far. They play on the front foot and can cause teams problems with their intensity. They'll really fancy themselves in this one against Mexico.
Mexico put in a lot of effort against Argentina but again didn't show enough in the final third. They did ok defensively as they restricted them to very few clear cut chances but going forward they never looked like scoring which was the same story in their opening game against Poland.
They've got a good track record of making it out the group at recent World Cup's but doing that this year is going to be tough. They're not scoring enough goals and they're going to be up against a Saudi Arabia side who have proven to be a match for anyone at this tournament.
PREDICTION: 0-0
Both sides will put in a lot of effort in this game as they've both done that in their opening two games. But they both have struggles in front of goal. Saudi Arabia will probably have the better chances like they did against Poland but I can see them draw another blank as Mexico do look a solid outfit defensively.
GROUP D
AUSTRALIA V DENMARK
Australia deserved their win over Tunisia in their last game which was massive for them having lost their opening game to France. It was an all round good performance as they started the game brightly and saw the game out well by being organised and solid defensively.
They haven't made it out the group stage since 2006 and their win over Tunisia will give them a lot of belief that they can do that. If they can start the game well and remain well organised throughout the contest, they might have a chance here.
Denmark defended well for much of their defeat against France but didn't offer enough going forward till after they first went behind. They did well to keep the French at bay for most of the game but they will feel disappointed that they didn't test their defence enough.
They'll be expected to play more on the front foot here as Australia will probably sit back given that they'll be the underdogs. They had to defend deep against France as they were up against quality opposition but in this one they should play more on the front foot.
PREDICTION: 0-1
I think Demark will win this one because I think they'll have enough quality to win the game. It will be a close game but with someone of Christian Eriksen's quality in their side, the Danes should edge this one.
TUNISIA V FRANCE
Tunisia were poor against Australia but they did improve after half time. They had more and better chances in the second half which was a huge contrast to their performance in the first half where they were second best throughout.
France may rest some players for this one with their place in the last 16 secured but one player who will not want to be rested is Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe has arguably been the player of the tournament so far with the form he's been in and he'll be determined to bag another goal.
PREDICTION: 0-2
France may rest some players for this one but I still think they'll win this one. Tunisia will try and make it difficult for them but with the strength in depth they have and Mbappe in great form, they should have no problems here.
THURSDAY:
GROUP E
COSTA RICA V GERMANY
Costa Rica responded well against Japan by being difficult to beat and limiting the Japanese to very few chances. They need a performance like that after their opening game drubbing by Spain and that result blew the group wide open.
They'll probably play the same way in this one as Germany are a side who like to have possession. Costa Rica aren't a side who will create a lot of chances but if they can stay organised and difficult to beat, they might get something here.
Germany also put in a much needed response with their draw against Spain where they caused them a few problems and pressed them high at almost every opportunity. This kind of performance will give them a lot of confidence going into this game and something to build on as well.
They simply have to win this one as anything less will see them eliminated at the group stage for the second World Cup in a row. They'll obviously be hoping that Japan don't beat Spain but firstly they need to make sure that they win so they can put themselves in the picture.
PREDICTION: 0-3
I'm going for a Germany win here as I can see them carry their performance against Spain into this game. They're not the most clinical on front of goal but with Costa Rica likely to not offer much going forward, this should be a comfortable win for the Germans.
JAPAN V SPAIN
Japan were disappointing against Costa Rica and especially after a massive win from their opening game against Germany. I was very much expecting them to carry that confidence into this game. But they weren't able to as the struggled to create any real clear cut chances until the final few moments.
Their manager Hajime Moriyasu will want his players to up their game here like they did in their opening game against Germany and they'll have to. They're up against a Spain side who like to have possession of the ball and are dangerous when ever they go forward.
Spain really were tested against Germany and they'll be expecting at least one or two more depending on how far they go. A lot of people thought they would be one of the favourites after their opening day thrashing of Costa Rica but maybe those people were getting carried away.
I can see them start Alvaro Morata here having scored off the bench in both of their games. I did question him at the start of the tournament over his wastefulness in front of goal but having made an instant impact off the bench in recent games, I reckon Luis Enrique could start him.
PREDICTION: 0-2
I think Spain will this one because I can see them having enough quality to win the game. Japan will ask their defence one or two questions but I still think they'll dominate the game and win it without too many problems.
GROUP F
CANADA V MOROCCO
Canada may be out of the tournament but they should still bow out with their heads held high. They've had some good moments in the games they played despite losing them both and they have no doubt gained a lot of experience which they'll be looking to take with them into future tournaments.
They'll go into this one looking to play with a bit of freedom as they have nothing to play for but pride. They've had a good go in both of their games and I expect they'll do the same here even if their confidence may be a bit low after crashing out.
Morocco will be full of confidence going into this game after their impressive win over Belgium which was a result that not many people saw coming. They were excellent in every single department and made Belgium look like a very average team.
This game presents a massive opportunity for them as a win here will put them into the last 16. After beating Belgium in their previous game, they'll surely not want to miss it.
PREDICTION: 1-2
This game should be a close one as both sides have some good attacking players. I think Morocco will edge it though as they're better defensively. Canada will put in another good shift but I think Morocco's defence will win them the game here.
CROATIA V BELGIUM
These two sides have ageing teams and will both want to show that they're still up there with the best teams at this tournament.
Croatia showed good character to come from behind in their win over Canada where their quality shone through and helped them win the game. They grew into the game after going a goal behind and they used their experience and mentality to control the game in the second half.
Their midfield is the most experienced area of their team and the area with arguably the most quality. Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic were all part of the side that reached the final four years ago and still very effective on the pitch. Modric and Brozovic are getting on a bit but Kovacic still gives the midfield that energy it needs.
Belgium have certainly showed signs that they're an ageing team at this World Cup after two very unconvincing performances. They looked completely off it in their defeat to Morocco and I'm not sure that they're going to go as far as they did in Russia four years ago.
PREDICTION: 1-2
I'm backing Belgium to win this one but I don't think it will be a convincing performance from them. Croatia will cause their backline some problems but with Romelu Lukaku back from injury, I think Roberto Martinez's side will edge this one as I can very much see Lukaku making the difference here.
FRIDAY:
GROUP G
CAMEROON V BRAZIL
Cameroon have been a front footed team at this World Cup in the way they've played but they do look suspect defensively. Both were present in their draw with Serbia. All three goals they conceded were poorly defended but when they went forward they posed a threat.
Their defence will be an area of concern going into this game and especially with it being against Brazil. Any defensive mistake they make will be punished against this Brazil side who have some top quality forward players who are capable of pouncing on any defensive mishap.
Brazil had to be patient against Switzerland due to how organised the Swiss were defensively. That patience eventually paid off with Casemiro's brilliant strike winning them the game and booking their place in the last 16.
Tite's side still remain my favourites to win this tournament but I feel that their lacking a creative midfielder. Lucas Paqueta for me is not suited to playing in a midfield three whilst Fred is more of an all action midfield player. The last creative midfielder they had was probably Kaka.
PREDICTION: 0-4
I'm backing Brazil to win this one and comfortably because I think they'll be too strong for Cameroon. This game could suit the Brazilians as Cameroon are very different to both Serbia and Switzerland in that they play more on the front foot which will enable Brazil to make runs in behind their open defence.
SERBIA V SWITZERLAND
I was amazed with how open Serbia were defensively against Cameroon as I was expecting to be much more rigid. Cameroon were able to get in behind their defence on multiple occasions and they got punished for how open they were on the day.
I expect that they'll be more solid in this one as Switzerland do have players who can cause problems going forward. They will also have had a few days to look back at the Cameroon game and see what they can do better in this one.
Switzerland defended pretty well against Brazil which is what I expected as they're a side who are very tough to break down. They were organised for the majority of the game by sitting deep and being difficult to beat. But despite their good defensive work, they'll a bit disappointed that they couldn't hold on for the draw.
They didn't really offer anything major going forward in that game which be a concern for them going into this one. They're not a side who score many goals but they'll need to offer more of a threat in this one if they're to get themselves into the last 16.
PREDICTION: 1-0
I can see this one being a scrappy game as both sides are likely to set themselves up to be defensive and difficult to beat. I do however think there will be a winner and I think Serbia will be the team that wins it as they have more goals in their team than Switzerland do.
GROUP H
GHANA V URUGUAY
The last meeting between these two sides at a World Cup was back in 2010 where Luis Suarez's handball stopped Ghana from reaching the semi finals. Ghana then missed the penalty that followed and were late knocked out.
The Black Stars will no doubt want their revenge in this game and especially with Suarez still playing for Uruguay. That game was twelve years ago but Ghana will still want revenge as it still hurts them to this day.
Ghana have gone for it in both of their games at this World Cup and I'm starting to wonder how they're the lowest ranked side at this tournament. There are questions about them defensively but going forward they've proved that they can be a match for anyone.
Uruguay have looked flat going forward at this World Cup so far which something we never say about them. There is no striker in the box when they're in a position to cross the ball and both of the strikers they play are so far apart from each other. That was certainly the case against Portugal and it is something they need to sort out.
I'm expecting Luis Suarez to get a hostile reception here from the Ghana fans and a lot of people will understand why. He'll probably expect it and all he can do is perform on the pitch whilst putting up with all the jeering towards him.
PREDICTION: 0-2
Uruguay may be yet to get themselves up and running at this tournament, but I think they'll win this game. Ghana look suspect at the back and with Uruguay having a pair of centre forwards who can score goals alongside that, they should edge this one.
SOUTH KOREA V PORTUGAL
South Korea showed a fighting spirit in the second half against Ghana with amount of chances they had after going 2-0 down. But they'll be kicking themselves for not taking them and for the way they defended for the goals they conceded.
They looked organised in their opening game against Uruguay and they'll need to be exactly that in this one. They'll obviously want to have a go at Portugal but they still need to be organised and tough to beat because of the quality of players they'll be up against.
Portugal might rest some players for this game with their place in the last 16 and top spot in the group confirmed. Their strength in depth hasn't been mentioned a lot at this tournament and it's about time it did as it looks pretty strong after the impact of their substitutes in both of the games they played.
PREDICTION: 0-2
I'm going for a Portugal win here because I think they'll have more than enough quality to win the game. They might make some changes with their last 16 place secured but they should still get the points here with the strength in depth they have.
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