I can’t provide you with tips more precisely than this! Two hits (including 2 goals from Haaland!) and two that were narrowly missed, but at least with the correct trend. I’m slowly getting back into form. There’s certainly a lot to hope for in the upcoming match days.What stands out even more is: The World Cup stars are delivering! Messi, Haaland, and Mbappé have already scored a combined 13 goals in two match days. Incredible.
What if …?
The possible pairings for the playoffs have hardly changed due to yesterday’s matches. I’ll thus only update this section every 2-3 days. Our opponent in Round 1 would still be Scotland at this time. For Austria, it would still be Spain, and for Switzerland, South Korea.
Group J: Argentina vs. Austria 2:0
Argentina has also confidently passed the second World Cup hurdle. Once again, Lionel Messi made headlines against Austria. First, he missed a penalty, then he scored two goals. Typical Messi. Austria held their ground well, but could only partially slow down the world champions. Argentina currently seems very mature, with the ball flowing smoothly through their ranks and the team radiating the kind of authority expected from a title contender. In short: Argentina can be counted on again in this World Cup. And as long as Messi is on the field, definitely.
Group I: France vs. Iraq 3:0
France won their second World Cup match, but once again did not impress throughout the entire game. Mbappé gave the French the lead with 1:0 just before halftime, but overall, the favorite appeared rather clueless in the first half and struggled against a boldly playing Iraq. The evening’s most curious scene was caused by the weather: Due to a thunderstorm near Philadelphia, the match was interrupted for about two hours at halftime. After the long forced break, France sealed the deal. Mbappé scored a second time, and Dembélé made it 3:0. Iraq showed a spirited performance but hardly created any dangerous chances offensively. The result sounds commanding, but France does not yet look like a team that is fully tapping into its potential. This should encourage possible knockout round opponents. A small note for Julian Nagelsmann: There’s no need to hide from France right now (yet).
Group I: Norway vs. Senegal 3:2
Norway has qualified for the knockout stage early with an entertaining 3:2 victory over Senegal. The Scandinavians had to sweat until the end to secure the win. Man of the match was once again Erling Haaland, who scored a double for the second time in this World Cup.
Senegal showed spirit, constantly fighting back and keeping the match exciting until stoppage time. However, they could not achieve a point gain. The Senegalese hopes still live on. Against Iraq, though, a decisive victory will likely be needed.
Group J: Jordan vs. Algeria 1:2
Jordan was close to a major upset. The World Cup newcomer took the lead through Nizar Al-Rashdan and could dream of their first World Cup victory in association history. But Algeria showed resilience, increased the pressure after halftime, and turned the match around completely.
For Jordan, the World Cup adventure is now over. Algeria, on the other hand, keeps its playoff hopes alive and now faces Austria in a real do-or-die match.
Austria, Algeria … hmm … there was something about that. Older football fans will remember.
Upcoming Matches
Group K: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan – 19:00
Portugal probably envisioned a more glamorous World Cup start. Instead of a Ronaldo show, they faced DR Congo with a 1:1 draw and many puzzled faces. Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. cannot afford another slip-up.
Uzbekistan lost their opener 1:3 against Colombia, but showed courage especially after halftime and scored the first World Cup goal in their association’s history through Fayzullaev. The debutants will thus approach the match with significantly more confidence than in their opening game. My tip: Portugal wins 3:0, and Ronaldo scores for the first time in this World Cup.
Group L: England vs. Ghana – 22:00
England made an immediate statement at the outset. In the 4:2 win against Croatia, the offense led by Harry Kane impressively showcased why the Three Lions are among the title favorites. For Ghana, it’s an opportunity to turn the group completely on its head. Matches like these are what make World Cups so much fun. My tip: England wins 3:1. Ghana will play boldly and get their moments, but the individual class of the English and two more goals from Harry Kane will ultimately make the difference.
Group L: Panama vs. Croatia – 01:00
For Panama as well as Croatia, the old World Cup wisdom holds: Who loses today might want to start cautiously looking for return flights. My tip: Croatia wins in a fiery game 2:0. Panama will hold on for a long time, but the individual class of the Croatians will prevail.
Group K: Colombia vs. DR Congo – 04:00
For those still awake at four in the morning, one of the most important matches of Group K will be served. Colombia has had a dreamy start with a 3:1 victory over Uzbekistan, while DR Congo caused one of the bigger surprises of this World Cup with a 1:1 draw against Portugal. Not particularly bold, but my gut feeling is clear: Colombia wins 2:1.
Group J: Argentina vs. Austria 2:0
Argentina has also confidently passed the second World Cup hurdle. Once again, Lionel Messi made headlines against Austria. First, he missed a penalty, then he scored two goals. Typical Messi. Austria held their ground well, but could only partially slow down the world champions. Argentina currently seems very mature, with the ball flowing smoothly through their ranks and the team radiating the kind of authority expected from a title contender. In short: Argentina can be counted on again in this World Cup. And as long as Messi is on the field, definitely.Group I: France vs. Iraq 3:0
France won their second World Cup match, but once again did not impress throughout the entire game. Mbappé gave the French the lead with 1:0 just before halftime, but overall, the favorite appeared rather clueless in the first half and struggled against a boldly playing Iraq. The evening’s most curious scene was caused by the weather: Due to a thunderstorm near Philadelphia, the match was interrupted for about two hours at halftime. After the long forced break, France sealed the deal. Mbappé scored a second time, and Dembélé made it 3:0. Iraq showed a spirited performance but hardly created any dangerous chances offensively. The result sounds commanding, but France does not yet look like a team that is fully tapping into its potential. This should encourage possible knockout round opponents. A small note for Julian Nagelsmann: There’s no need to hide from France right now (yet).Group I: Norway vs. Senegal 3:2
Norway has qualified for the knockout stage early with an entertaining 3:2 victory over Senegal. The Scandinavians had to sweat until the end to secure the win. Man of the match was once again Erling Haaland, who scored a double for the second time in this World Cup.
Senegal showed spirit, constantly fighting back and keeping the match exciting until stoppage time. However, they could not achieve a point gain. The Senegalese hopes still live on. Against Iraq, though, a decisive victory will likely be needed.Group J: Jordan vs. Algeria 1:2
Jordan was close to a major upset. The World Cup newcomer took the lead through Nizar Al-Rashdan and could dream of their first World Cup victory in association history. But Algeria showed resilience, increased the pressure after halftime, and turned the match around completely.
For Jordan, the World Cup adventure is now over. Algeria, on the other hand, keeps its playoff hopes alive and now faces Austria in a real do-or-die match.
Austria, Algeria … hmm … there was something about that. Older football fans will remember.