Group C and D Wrap Up

AUSTRALIA v PERU             DENMARK v FRANCE

Much like Group B this is very simple. Denmark and France are in the same position as Portugal/Spain were and Australia is in Iran's position. Peru in Morcco's.

France need only a draw to secure top spot in the group and have no real reason to go for a win other than maintaining good form and momentum.

Denmark too, only need a draw to qualify 2nd in the group but with a win can top the group.

 Australia need to win and need Denmark to lose for Australia to progress. If both results are 1-0, Australia will go through on goals scored, if the result is 1-0 and 2-1 the deciding factor becomes Fair Play rules with the team with less cards going through, if that is even, the winner is simply drawn out of a hat. However if Australia win by more than one or Denmark lose by more than one Australia go through on GD.

Peru are already eliminated but being South American and very passionate they will not let Australia just have a free win. 

Australia have proven resilient and much stronger team then many people including myself gave them credit for. However they have started both their games very slow and conceded many early chances one of which was converted by Denmark last game. Peru love to come out of the blocks fast which just prove to be the Australians downfall. With the only 2 goals they have scored being Penalties it is hard to see where Australia will find the goals from. 1-1.

France and Denmark go into the game knowing a 0-0 benefits them both. It gives France top spot whilst guaranteeing Denmark a place in the next round. The may be some pre-game handshakes here. France may even decide to rest some players or give their bench players some game time. If the game was played out as it was meant to be, with France finding some attacking form against Peru, you would say they have ability to win this game cleanly. With only Eriksen to worry about from Denmark, the star studded midfield should easily boss the game. 2-0 France if they play properly, but I honestly expect a tame 0-0.

NIGERIA v ARGENTINA        ICELAND v CROATIA

The first group where all 4 teams are still in with a shout at going through. This should be interesting.

Croatia are through no matter the result today. A draw or win would guarantee top spot. They can still claim top even if they lose as long as Nigeria fail to win by enough goals to make up the GD.

Nigeria can guarantee progression with a win. A draw may also see them through however if Iceland beat Croatia the two will be on equal points. If Nigeria lose they will be jumped by Argentina.

Iceland need a win to need Nigeria to not win. This will put Iceland either equal points with Nigeria (if they draw) or Argentina (if they win). They will then be separated by GD/GS/FP/Lots.

Argentina need to win. If Iceland fail to win then Argentina go through. If Iceland also win then the 2 will be separated by GD/GS/FP/Lots.

Nigeria were awful in their first game but came to life last time against Iceland. With Croatia proving their worth against Argentina, perhaps Nigeria just looked bad against such a good team. It is do or die for the Argentinians who were put to the sword by Croatia. Messi who has already retied from international football once because of the "unfair criticism", may just do so again if his team fail to get out of the group. I think they will do enough though, despite Nigeria only need a draw, I have hope that Argentina find a way. 1-0 Argentina.

Croatia are through no matter the result and can play this game however they like. They could either rest stars for the next game or play hard to try and maintain momentum. Iceland are plucky little fighters who love the counter attack and defending to to walls of 5. It showed against Nigeria that they can';t really hold their shape when they have a lot of possession and have to chase the game but against Croatia it won't be like that. However with Iceland needing a win, if they commit to many forward it will spell disaster for them. 2-1 Croatia.

Group A and B Finished

SAUDI ARABIA v EGYPT                URUGUAY v RUSSIA

A very simple group that has already been decided before the final matchday. 

Egypt and Saudi Arabia are merely playing for pride to see who can avoid coming last.

Russia and Uruguay face-off to see who can grab top spot. In the event of a draw, Russia stay in 1st spot.

I think Egypt will find it tough going against an improved Saudi team. With neither side impressing in front of goal I will expect this to be the tournaments first 0-0.

Russia are on fire after 2 large wins and momentum may just carry them through top of the group. Uruguay haven't been on-song, doing the bare minimum to win their games. If both play as they have been, Russia will nick this and top spot. 2-1 Russia.

SPAIN v MOROCCO                      IRAN v PORTUGAL

A more interesting set of games. Morocco are eliminated and are only playing for pride and to play spoiler against Spain. Spain currently sit top on "fair play" rules having the same GD and GF as Portugal but receiving less yellow cards.

Spain can guarantee a spot in the round of 16 with just a draw but will be hoping to secure top spot with a win.

Iran can still get through the group stage if they can secure a win.

A draw would see Portugal advance and Iran go equal points with Spain. They would need Spain to lose by 2 goals in order to go through on GD.

Portugal like Spain, only need a draw to go through but would like to win in order to fight for top spot.

Morocco have tried their hardest and probably should have gotten a point against Portugal. If they put that kind of effort in again they will certainly trouble Spain. Spain had trouble breaking down Iran and will find the same situation facing them in this game, but they will no doubt deal with it. 1-0 Spain.

Portugal were lucky against Morocco and face an arguably more stout defence in Iran. If other players do not pick it up, I don't think Ronaldo will be able to single-handedly break this game apart. Iran will have to do something in this game that they are very bad at. Attack. A draw is not enough to see them get through this group and not having actually scored a single goal yet themselves I can't really see how they will here. Portugal don't care about drawing that much since they go through either way. I think Iran will try to force the game too hard and get hit on the counter. 2-0 Portugal.

And So Ends Matchday 2

 Vs 

The final game in Group G seens England against Panama. Panama had an ok showing last time out against a very strong Belgium team and managed to hold a them to 0-0 until the 2nd half. A much stronger showing especially when you consider how Belgium dismantled Morocco yesterday.

England were stout in defence but pretty poor going forward. Sterling was not is usual self and failed to add anything to the England attack. Unlike the England of old, this team has some grit and will to win. Enter Harry Kane. This is the first english striker in a very long time who is a genuine finisher and poacher. Just what England need.

Although Panama showed they can hold out Belgium for long periods, you can't really seeing them doing it for 90 minutes against any kind of competent attack. England bagging all 3 points will end this group and send both themselves and Belgium through. 3-0 England.

 Vs 

Japan had a mixed game last time against Colombia, although Colombia went down to 10-men within the first 5 minutes, Japan could not control the game and eventually conceded and equaliser in the first half. They seemed to be overawed by the occasion and couldn't handle the swift penetrating attacks of Colombia.

Senegal were inspiring against Poland in both attack and defence. They didn't give an inch and attacked with ferocity and a well drilled plan. They look by far the strongest African team at the Tournament and will need the fly the flag for their continent as most the other African nations are now knocked out.

Japan although they sit on 3 points after beating Colombia, unless they improve dramatically that will be their only 3 points they get. If Senegal produce the same quality they did against Poland this shouldn't be a contest. 2-0 Senegal.

 Vs 

Colombia were unfortunate to be down to 10-men so early which scuppered any kind of hope at winning the game and playing to their plan. They had to substitute their attacking winger who was causing problems for Japan in order to get a defensive replacement on the field. Falcao showed his age not being able to outrun defenders when the long balls came in, but they still looked confident and managed to equalise even with a man down. If they stay with their full team for this game, they will have hopes for  a win.

Poland were very poor in their first game both defensively and in attack. Lewandowski was a no show and didn't help Poland that much. Their midfield and defence also made alot of unforced errors which eventually led to conceding the goals. They know they need to improve and probably will improve against a much more dynamic attack from Colombia.

Both these teams sit on 0 points after their first games and both suffered from "idiotic plays" that cost them the game. Both teams showed they have mistakes in them but Colombia showed they are still a force on attack. Both will NEED 3 points to get through this group. 2-1 Colombia.

Now or Never

 Vs 

Belgium have a comfortable win last game against Panama who never really troubled them. Although they struggled to create chances in the first half, they never looked panic'd or bothered and trusted in their system. One of the few larger nations to impress in their first game.

Tunsia did more than enough to win the game against England and with some dubious refereeing maybe should have gotten more. They were left heartbroken conceding 2 soft goals to Harry Kane. They held their own against England, but Belgium present much more threat and presence going forward then England ever will.

Tunisia really need atleast a point to make sure they don't get eliminated. Belgium can wrap up a spot in the next round with a win here which is important to do just before the England matchup. 2-0 Belgium.

 Vs 

These 2 teams had the opposite opening games last time out, Korea were uninspired, poor in attack and not so solid in defence. There only shining light was Son, but with him playing on the Wing he found it hard to drag his team to any kind of result against Sweden.

Mexico surprised everyone with their dangerous attacks and solid defence. Although Germany were poor, Mexico could have easily won the game by 2 or 3. They showed pace and control and the ability to attack and actually get shots off. Something not many teams at this tournament have shown.

Korea need a point to make sure they don't get eliminated. Mexico will be hoping to get 3 wins from this group now that they have taken care of Germany. 2-0 Mexico.

 Vs 

Germany were very poor against Mexico last game. Their defence was non-existent with Kimmich playing more like a Winger then a Wing Back. Kroos, Khedira and Ozil were also all very poor and it wouldn't surprise me to see several changes in the lineup.

Sweden were exactly as expected. Pragmatic in defence and average going forward and were gifted a goal by some poor Korean defence that lead to a penalty. Although they weren't really tested, their defence was strong enough to not allow Korea really any chance of getting back into the game.

Germany will need to step it up if they want to break down a much tougher defensive team. A failure to win here would mean that for the 3rd time in a row, the defending champions would be knocked out in group stages. If Sweden can secure atleast a point, they will like their chances of going to the next round. 1-0 Germany.

The Picture Becomes Clearer

 Vs 

Brazil were quite poor in their last game and even though the Swiss were not particularly dangerous, they still managed to score against a brittle Brazilian defence. Neymar became the most fouled player in 20 years in a World Cup game and it showed; with the Brazilian complaining and rolling around instead of accepting the fact he is a target.

Brazil have so many stars in their team including the likes of Coutinho who did wonderful to score the goal. Brazil need to realise not everything needs to go through Neymar, this isn't PSG, don't let him dictate the show. Costa Rica were bright in patches but showed no real quality against a tough Serbian defence. It will be a completely difference test today for them, as they won't get any near the same amount of ball as last time.

I expect Brazil to show us much like France did and win this game comfortably. I don't think Costa Rica has the firepower to trouble this Brazilian midfield. 2-0 Brazil.

 Vs 

Iceland proved last game they weren't here on holidays, despite some of their players having to take holidays from their day jobs to play here. Well drilled defensively and not scared to take their chances, Iceland proved their team knocking out England at the EUROs was no fluke and with a win in this game can almost guarantee a round of 16 berth.

Nigeria were woeful in their game against Croatia. They could hardly string 2 passes together let alone get an actual attack constructed. They will need a much improved performance if they are any chance of breaking down an Iceland who denied Messi any goals. But with Croatia's demolition of Argentina, maybe Nigeria aren't that bad, maybe it is Croatia who are simply that good?

If both these teams play as they did last time, it would be a pretty boring affair. I think Iceland need to show they can attack teams and not just defend with 9 behind the ball and wait for counters. This Nigerian team are poor and Iceland will be out to prove themselves. 1-0 Iceland.

 Vs 

Switzerland showed their defensive fortitude last game only being broken by a Coutinho stunner. However they were extremely poor going forward and only scored due to a lack of intensity from set pieces by the Brazilian defence.

Serbia to showed how strong they are at the back by keeping a clean sheet but were never really troubled by a poor Nigeria. They also showed that always sporadic, they can create chances going forward.

This game has all the marking to be this World Cups first ever 0-0. However I think Serbia will be hungry to get the 3 points and guarantee a spot in the next round before they have to take on Brazil. 1-0 Serbia.

Group C "deciders"

 Vs 

Denmark go into this game after a solid win over Peru which came at a cost with their defensive midfielder Kvist breaking 2 ribs from a challenge. They were solid enough in defence to hold out a very quick and possessed Peru. Denmark however were not all good. Peru managed to man-mark Erikesen which caused them to be poor going forward. That being said it only took Peru being lazy fro 10 minutes in the 2nd half for Eriksen to get time and space to set up their goal.

Australia were solid defensively much like Denmark, but lacked any kind of forward outlet with their only goal coming from a penalty. You can argue it was more France being poor than Australia being good in the first game which saw Australia lose 2-1 with some bad luck. Australia are arguably much better defensively than Peru but much much worse on attack. With their only real goal threat Tim Cahill being 38 and a bench warmer these days it hard to see where the goals will come from.

I would like to say that Australia can snatch this but I feel it will be quite a possession heavy game with not many note worthy shots on goal. This is almost a must-win for Australia who don't want to go into the final day with only 1 point. Denmark can probably afford to take the draw as long as Peru fail against France. 0-0.

 Vs 

Embed from Getty Images

Peru were dynamic and amazing to watch last game and were unlucky to go in at halftime 0-0 after a pretty poor missed penalty. Like many South American teams they play with a lot of passion and pride epitomised by some of them shedding tears during their national anthem. Their success will hinge on Guerrerro and if he is fit enough to start. If he starts the game, I think Peru will be able to punish what is a poor and untested French defence.

France were nothing less than awful in their last game against Australia. Bailed out by VAR they need a much improved performance if they wish to go further in this competition. The scare against Australia led to the French strangely having another warmup game between games which they barely managed to win against a club team. Signs are there that this French team much like in 2010 are ready to capitulate. Pogba and Gerizmann need to do more to drag this team into the light.

France have more then enough talent to win against anyone in the world but do they have the heart? Peru showed they don't care about possession, they just want to attack. If Peru manage to get the lead, I can see them running away with it. If they concede, I can see emotion getting the best of them and the game running away from them so the first goal will be crucial. I want this group to be exciting so I will say, 2-0 Peru.

 Vs 

Argentina last game were poor against Iceland and even with a Penalty and 11 shots at goal, Messi could not break his World Cup drought. All eyes are on him to perform event though his team is full of star players. Aguero was poor but no one talks about him. Di Maria was average but no one talks about him. Croatia will be out to get all 3 points in what could potentially be a must win if Iceland go on to prove they are a team to be feared with a win against Nigeria.

Croatia had probably the most textbook game at this world cup. A very poor Nigeria who could barely string passes together against a very structured and controlled Croatia. Modric was good in the midfield creating chances. They may have been lucky with the own goal, but they were dominating  and should have scored more. This will be the first true test for their defence but if they control the ball like they did last game they will be in for all 3 points.

Modric v Messi is the key to this game; both will need to be on point for their teams. I was impressed by Croatia in their last game and the fact that the Argentine defence were broken by Iceland tells me Croatia are in with more than a shout.

2-1 Croatia.

Crunch time begins

 Vs 

Cristiano Ronaldo was at his best to carry Portugal on his back last time out against Spain and you have to say if Portugal play the same way again this game shouldn't even be a contest.

Morocco played their hearts out against Iran but could not find a way through their defence. Their struggles only increase ten-fold this game. Iran never really troubled Morocco's defence so we are yet to see how solid they can be.

Ronaldo could probably win this game alone, but this World Cup has shown that the major teams aren't firing on all cylinders against their defensive opponents. 2-0 Portugal.

 Vs 

Saudi were utterly useless against a poor Russia conceding 5 in what was a very farcical defence. Although you have to say 5 goals was flattering to Russia who played terribly, it just shows the level Saudi Arabia are playing at. After losing their defensive minded coach Van Marwijk they are no longer the strong counter-attacking team that qualified above Australia.

Uruguay had real trouble trying to break down a very strong Egypt defence only doing so thanks to a late set piece. If the first game is anything to go by, they won't have the same trouble again. Suarez and Cavani could have given Uruguay a 4-0 lead last time out but were not clinical enough.

No doubt both teams would have learnt from their mistakes, but no matter what they do, Saudi won't be able to improve enough to hold out a much stronger opposition. 4-0 Uruguay.

 Vs 

Iran were stout defenders last time out holding Morocco at bay all game before getting lucky with a late own goal to claim all the points. They will have a similar game plan this game except against much strong opposition. Despite their poor play going forward, Iran know defence and how to frustrate opponents with niggly fouls and a stop, start game plan.

Spain managed to come from behind twice against Portugal but after taking the lead, drawing 3-3 will feel like a loss. Spain looked a little suspect in the first half but it was only the brilliance of Ronaldo and a mistake from De Gea that gave Portugal a sniff.

De Gea shouldn't event ouch the ball this his hands this game so Spain have nothing to worry about. Although I believe in Iran's defence somewhat, once they concede 1 the gates will open; its just a matter of how long they can hold on. 2-0 Spain.