The underdogs are continuing to make headlines in this World Cup. Following Qatar, Morocco, and Australia, Cape Verde, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have now made their mark.
Cape Verde stunned European champion Spain with a sensational 0-0 draw in their World Cup debut, leaving one of the tournament favorites frustrated. Belgium also couldn’t get past the determined Egyptians, ending their match in a 1-1 draw. And Saudi Arabia came very close to causing another upset before Uruguay managed a late equalizer at 1-1.
By the way, anyone who bet €10 yesterday on 4 draws would have received a whopping €6,148 payout. I’m not one of those people.
Group H: Spain vs. Cape Verde 0-0
Spain surprisingly couldn’t get past a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, creating a major sensation. The Spaniards had more ball possession and plenty of chances but couldn’t find a way through the passionately defending “Blue Sharks.” Cape Verde played bravely, disciplined, and earned their point fairly. They also gathered a lot of sympathy points.
Group G: Belgium vs. Egypt 1-1
Belgium also started the World Cup with an unexpected setback and got away with a black eye. The “Red Devils” had more of the game but struggled to find decisive solutions against the compactly defending Egyptians. Egypt fought with passion and earned their point. With a bit of luck, they could have claimed all 3 points.
Group H: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay 1-1
Saudi Arabia fought hard for a strong 1-1 draw against Uruguay, largely thanks to their goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais. The keeper had an outstanding day and frustrated the Uruguayan attackers with several spectacular saves. Uruguay had more possession and significantly more chances for long stretches but kept running into the Saudi keeper. In the end, Saudi Arabia could celebrate a deserved point – and Al-Owais likely had the best goalkeeper performance of the tournament so far.
Group G: Iran vs. New Zealand 2-2
Iran showed great morale against New Zealand, fighting back twice after falling behind. The “All Whites” took the lead twice with a brace from Elijah Just, but the Iranians found the right answers both times, securing a well-deserved 2-2 draw.
After the discussions about entry, accommodations, and venues, the Iranians would probably have good chances at Miles & More for frequent flyer status in gold. On the pitch, they certainly showed fighting spirit and didn’t let the second setback rattle them.
Upcoming Matches
Group I: France vs. Senegal – 9:00 PM
If I had to pick a world champion today, I’d put my money on France. Particularly offensively, France seems almost unfairly stacked. Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise are among the most dangerous attackers in the world. Who is supposed to stop this attack?
However, Senegal might have good memories looking at the French jersey. In the 2002 World Cup, the “Lions of Teranga” caused a sensation by defeating defending champion France 1-0. Senegal was also crowned African champion in 2021 and reached the Round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup. Furthermore, there is a long shared history between France and Senegal. Many Senegalese live in France, and numerous national players have been educated there or play in the French league. My tip: France wins 3-1.
Group I: Iraq vs. Norway – 12:00 AM
Important group match in the race for second place behind favorite France. The Norwegians have two genuine world stars in Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard and are competing in a World Cup for the first time since 1998. Those who follow the social media channels of the Norwegian association know, furthermore, that when it comes to humor, the Scandinavians are already world-class. If they perform on the pitch as strongly as they do on Instagram, TikTok, and the like, the team will reach at least the semifinals. Haaland scores twice, and Norway wins 2-0.
Group J: Argentina vs. Algeria – 3:00 AM
Whenever Argentina takes the field, many fans automatically first look towards Lionel Messi. At 38 years old, the World Champion is still here and is likely experiencing his last World Cup. That alone makes every match of the Albiceleste something special.
Sportingly, Argentina approaches the match as the clear favorite. The defending champion still has immense quality and should reach the knockout stage without problems. It won’t happen again this time that the World Champion stumbles and is eliminated in the group stage.While Algeria comes with a lot of confidence, they will have to work hard defensively. For the North Africans, even a point would be a great success. My tip: Argentina wins 2-0, and naturally, Lionel Messi will score once more.
Group J: Austria vs. Jordan – 6:00 AM
Our Austrian neighbors have gathered a strong team and enter the match as favorites. The Round of 16 is the clear minimum goal, with expectations even significantly higher.
Jordan, on the other hand, is participating in their second World Cup and is considered a major underdog in this group. That’s why Austria would be well advised not to take the task lightly. My tip: If you’re still awake at six in the morning watching this game, you either have a very good reason or very bad habits. I’m betting on the latter – and on Austria. Again, 2-0.
