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.

Day 9 Review

Brazil v Costa Rica

Prediction: 2-0 Brazil

Result: 2-0 Brazil

The game panned out exactly as expected. Brazil with 70% possession and Costa Rica holding on for dear life for 90 minutes. Costa Rica did have their chances but they were few and far between. I understand you are Costa Rica and they are Brazil, but after losing game 1, I thought Costa Rica should have shown more courage and attacked the game and put a not fully firing Brazil to the test.

Neymar denied what was a pretty clear penalty (imo) by VAR. It is indeed, these kinds of penalties that when consistently not given force players into diving and adding theatrics to their game in order to "convince" referees it is a foul. Neymar also once again was fouled more than 10x, the first player in history to be fouled more than 10x in back to back games at the World Cup.

Him crying at the end of the game seems like gamesmanship to me. For a guy that effectively "ran" PSG and got Unai Emery fired for not being able to control him; to say that he is crying because of the "pressure"  or the occasion seems false. He's done this before when he was with the Brazilian team and he will do it again. His PR guys no doubt have told him the only reason Ronaldo isn't liked is because he is perceived as arrogant so you must change your perception and you will by the end of your career be considered the GOAT.

With this win Brazil put their destiny in their own hands and knock Costa Rica out of the tournament.

Nigeria v Iceland

Prediction: 1-0 Iceland

Result: 2-0 Nigeria

Probably the worst 45 minutes of the tournament to watch in that first half. Neither side had a cutting edge to them and both were misplacing passes constantly in the midfield. Nigeria in fact did not have a single shot in the first half.

The 2nd half was much better from them, in fact it only took 4 minutes for Nigeria to score and after an extended break due to an injury, grabbed a 2nd. Iceland had some really good crosses but lacked any presence up front and never looked like converting the great service. Iceland had their chances and even missed penalty. This goes a ways to show that Iceland are great at counter attacking, but not so much when they have the ascendancy.

This result means that no one in this group is eliminated and it all comes down to the final day of games. It also means that barring an absolute demolition Croatia will be topping the group.

Serbia v Swizterland

Prediction: 1-0 Serbia

Result: 2-1 Switzerland

I couldn't have been more wrong heading into a game. I though both these teams would be very defensive but it was the opposite. Both sides came to win and within 10 minutes had 2 shot son goal each and Serbia managed a very early goal thanks to some questionable defending.


Serbia become the first team at the World Cup to score first and not get any points in a game but were robbed by questionable refereeing. What should have been a clear penalty and a clear use of VAR to overturn a poor decision fell on deaf ears and probably blind eyes. Much like Harry Kane for England, and many many others this World Cup, rugby tackles from Centre Backs seem to be legal from corners now.

With that win Switzerland make sure this group will go to the last game. Although Costa Rica are eliminated, anything could happen with the final 3 teams left.

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.

Day 8 Review

Australia v Denmark

Prediction: 0-0

Result: 1-1

Australia once again started the game poorly and were under the pump for the first 10 minutes. Eriksen capitalised as he did in the small 10-minute window against Peru to give Denmark the lead. Australia then had to chase the game which Denmark showed against Peru, they hate playing against an enthusiastic and hungry midfield. A questionable VAR penalty and Jedinak scores his 16th straight penalty to give Australia the equaliser.


Denmark were against strong for the opening 5 minutes of the 2nd half but Australia showed more hunger and determination. Arzani coming on transformed the game as Denmark couldn't handle 2 nimble wingers. But as I said prematch, Australia have no goal scorer and now with Nabout out injured and Van Marwijk's refusal to use Cahill, they have even fewer goal scorers at their disposal.


With 4 points Denmark go into the final game knowing another draw will see them through. Australia have no choice but to attack Peru in the next game but again, lacking goals with their last 4 competitive international goals being Jedinak penalties, I don't like their odds.

France v Peru

Prediction: 2-0 Peru

Result: 1-0 France

M'bappe becomes the youngest ever French goal scorer at a major tournament. The first half was end to end with both teams having good chances. Peru tore France apart and should have scored through Guerrerro who shot the ball at Lloris. Less than 10 minutes later Mbappe jumps onto a deflected shot and taps in the go ahead goal.

France were much better defensively this game and with Giroud up front had a better structure to their attacks. Peru once again toiled and worked hard and attacked a lot but with no real penetration in the 2nd half. The closest they came was a shot that hit the bar.


Peru are now out and with nothing to play for other than pride, it will be interesting to see how they fair against Australia. France now through to the round of 16, only need a draw in their final game to wrap up top spot.

Argentina v Croatia

Prediction: 2-1 Croatia

Result: 3-0 Crotaia

Argentina struggled in qualifying, people said its ok they will turn it around at the tournament. They struggled against Iceland, people said its ok they are a very defensive team hard to break down. Now they get utterly picked apart by Croatia. 0-0 at half-time in what was an end-to-end game it was a fairly even affair.

An early second half blunder by the keeper miskicking he ball and setting up a wonderful volley for Rebic. Argentina then had to attack the game pulling the CDMs and WBs up the field which left more space in behind for through balls. They were woeful defensively and once they went a goal down, never looked like getting back in the game. Messi went missing when his team needed him the most, once again casting doubt over whether he can truly be considered the "greatest of all time".

With the 3 points, Croatia are through to the knockout stage while Argentina sit on 1 point after 2 games and have a game against Nigeria on the final day. If Iceland pick up all 3 points against the Africans tomorrow you have to say, Argentina look like they will be going home no matter what they manage against Nigeria.

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.

Day 7 Review

Portugal v Morocco

Prediction: 2-0 Portugal

Result: 1-0 Portugal

We finally get to see Portugal take on someone who they are supposed to beat and they let us down. Like many other big nations in this World Cup they underestimate the little guy. Ronaldo scored just 3 minutes in with a diving header and most thought, he were go Portugal will pile them in; but this wasn't the case.

Morocco were lively, strong and unlucky not to get a few penalties in the first half as they peppered Portugal's goal. The 2nd half saw very much the same thing, with Morocco surprisingly taking the fight to Portugal whose only real spark once again was Ronaldo. By the stats of the game you would think Portugal were the small nation holding on for a shock win.

Morocco unlucky to lose to a late own goal last game. Unlucky to lose to an early Ronaldo goal this game. Unlucky to be the first team officially knocked out of the World Cup despite playing some of the best football in the tournament.

Uruguay v Saudi Arabia

Prediction: 4-0 Uruguay

Result: 1-0 Uruguay

One again another disappointing display by Uruguay who "got lucky" with a mistake from the Saudi keeping gifting him a tap-in. They were solid defensively but going forward have no spark from the midfield. They will certainly struggle to score against better defences if this continues.

Saudi were a completely different team. Some cynics would say it's because there was no handshake between Putin and the Saudi Prince.

4 players were dropped from the loss to Russia including the keeper and the difference in their game showed. They were much calmer on the ball and kept possession well, even their defence had better cohesion with all 5 defenders used today being from the same club. However with only a solitary striker they had a tough time creating chances only getting 8 shots on goal all game despite dominating possession.

With that loss, Saudi send themselves and Egypt home with the 2 losers to battle for pride come the final game. Whilst Uruguay set up a showdown with Russia for top spot.

Spain v Iran

Prediction: 2-0 Spain

Result: 1-0 Spain 

Iran came into the game with an obvious plan. Get a 0-0 draw. Playing with a 4-5-1, which at times looked more like a 5-5-0, Iran frustrated Spain throughout the first half who could only manage 1 shot on target. However a lucky breakthrough from a deflected clearance in the 2nd half forced Iran chase the game.

Iran did extremely well attacking Spain and thought they had an equaliser for it to only be denied by a VAR review for offside. Iran had the better chances in the 2nd half which makes you ponder the question, what if Iran attacked from the start instead of trying to defend for a 0-0 draw?

Iran will be buoyed by the fact a star studded side like Spain could not break them down and only scored from a little luck. The fact they created the better chances in the 2nd means I hope for their sake, they attack Portugal in their final game, otherwise they are going home.

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.