It was a World Cup day with two completely different emotional states. While Germany’s 1:2 loss to Ecuador completely halted the growing enthusiasm in the country, my predictions surprisingly hit the mark. Five out of six trends correct, plus the exact prediction of Turkey’s 3:2 victory over the USA – my betting slip is starting to remind me of better times.Less pleasing was the fact that some group matches once again showcased the downside of this tournament format. When both teams only need a draw to advance, it’s understandable that the result often takes precedence over spectacle. Japan against Sweden or Paraguay against Australia were prime examples of this. From the teams’ perspectives, it’s completely understandable – but for neutral spectators, it was rather dull football.For Germany, a different truth applies now: from now on, there are no more excuses. In the playoffs, only performance on the field matters. With just one more showing like against Ecuador, the journey will certainly be much shorter than hoped.
What if …? Who would currently face whom? Of course, this is just a snapshot, as the tournament tree can still change in many ways until the end of the group stage. Still, it’s worth a glance at the current possible playoff matchups for the DACH teams if the preliminary round were to end right now.Germany would likely face Paraguay in the Round of 16. After that, it could already lead to a real clash against France. Austria would initially meet Spain and, if successful, would face the winner of the match between Portugal and Ghana. Switzerland would currently take on Jordan. Subsequently, a match with the winner of the encounter between Colombia and Croatia could await.
Match ReportsGroup E: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast 0:2
Curaçao’s big dream has been dashed. After the historic point against Ecuador, hope for the next World Cup sensation was there, but against the Ivory Coast, it wasn’t enough. The Ivorians made it clear early on that they had no interest in another group drama: Nicolas Pepé scored in the 7th minute and added his second goal after the break for 2:0. Curaçao remained engaged but was too harmless offensively. The Ivory Coast qualifies for the knockout stage as group runners-up for the first time in a World Cup, while Curaçao travels home as the bottom team.
Group E: Ecuador vs. Germany 2:1
Even though it meant almost nothing for our team: this performance was a real setback. After taking an early lead, the German team completely lost its rhythm, made too many simple ball losses, and often seemed a step too late in duels. Ecuador was the hungrier team and deservedly rewarded itself with the victory and advancement to the playoffs. For Germany, this defeat hopefully serves as a very loud wake-up call.
With such an attitude, Germany should definitely not be thinking about the quarter-finals.Group F: Japan vs. Sweden 1:1
This was not a football delicacy, but rather a 90-minute non-aggression pact. Both teams knew exactly that a draw would secure their advancement to the playoffs – and unfortunately, that showed in the game for long stretches. After the goals by Maeda and Elanga, not much happened, and both teams were happy at the end. While no beauty prizes were awarded, sometimes in a World Cup, only the result matters.
Group F: Tunisia vs. Netherlands 1:3
The Netherlands completed their duties convincingly and deservedly secured the group win. Oranje laid the groundwork for success with two early goals, remained unfazed by the interim goal from Tunisia, and sealed the deal a little later. In summary, a composed performance from a team that has been one of the most consistent in this World Cup – the Netherlands will definitely be a force to reckon with in the playoffs.
Group D: Turkey vs. USA 3:2
For Turkey, the victory came too late – but it nonetheless felt good. After two bitter defeats, the team left this World Cup with a strong performance and a last-minute goal, holding their heads high. Against the already qualified group winner USA, the Turks finally showed the coolness they had previously lacked. A reconciliatory conclusion to what was overall a disappointing World Cup – and a tiny consolation for the passionate fans.
Group D: Paraguay vs. Australia 0:0
Much risk? None to be seen. Paraguay seemed satisfied with third place and a possible playoff duel against Germany… and managed the goalless draw quite confidently for most of the match. Australia also had no reason to force the issue, as the point was sufficient for advancement. In the end, it was a 0:0 that offered little entertainment but sent both teams into the playoffs.
Upcoming Matches (Today 6 matchups)
Group I: Norway vs. France – 9:00 PM
France has convincingly won their two previous matches, but only impressively at times. Norway arrives with confidence after two wins and a strong offensive performance. Both teams are fighting for group victory – which also affects their position in the tournament tree. The group winner lands on the left side of the tournament tree with Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, while the group runner-up goes on the other side in the 8-bracket with Brazil and England. That alone makes this matchup one of the most exciting games of the last group match day. My prediction: Norway – France 2:3.
Group I: Senegal vs. Iraq – 9:00 PM
For Senegal, the situation is clear: a victory would likely seal their advancement to the playoffs. Iraq still has its chances but will likely need a victory by at least three goals to clinch the playoff spot. Accordingly, Iraq will throw everything forward from the start – which could open up spaces for Senegal to counterattack. My prediction: Senegal – Iraq 2:1.
Group H: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia – 2:00 AM
Cape Verde has been the surprise of this World Cup and has a great chance of making it to the knockout stage. A victory would solidify the sensation, but probably even a draw would suffice. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is under pressure and desperately needs three points to keep their hopes for further matches alive. The roles are unexpectedly reversed this time: the underdog enters the match with momentum. I actually believe Cape Verde can pull off another coup. My prediction: Cape Verde – Saudi Arabia 2:1.
Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain – 2:00 AM
A hot duel. Spain has impressively improved after a rocky start, while Uruguay remains unbeaten but has already dropped points twice. For Uruguay, the math is brutally simple: a win means group victory, a loss means going out of the World Cup. Two great football nations, two completely different play styles, and a wealth of quality on the field. Football heart, what more could you want? Spain wins 2:0 and sends Uruguay home.
Group G: Egypt vs. Iran & New Zealand vs. Belgium – 5:00 AM
Group G remains open until the last minute. All four teams still have chances – theoretically even for group victory. Only Egypt is already through; everything behind them is still completely open. At 5:00 AM, it’ll be a remote duel where the leaderboard can change by the minute. For those still awake, it could be one of the most exciting hours of this World Cup. My predictions: Egypt narrowly wins 1:0 against Iran, and Belgium only manages to salvage a 2:1 victory against New Zealand just before the end. This would see Egypt and Belgium advance – while Iran and New Zealand would be heading home.
Match ReportsGroup E: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast 0:2
Curaçao’s big dream has been dashed. After the historic point against Ecuador, hope for the next World Cup sensation was there, but against the Ivory Coast, it wasn’t enough. The Ivorians made it clear early on that they had no interest in another group drama: Nicolas Pepé scored in the 7th minute and added his second goal after the break for 2:0. Curaçao remained engaged but was too harmless offensively. The Ivory Coast qualifies for the knockout stage as group runners-up for the first time in a World Cup, while Curaçao travels home as the bottom team.Group E: Ecuador vs. Germany 2:1
Even though it meant almost nothing for our team: this performance was a real setback. After taking an early lead, the German team completely lost its rhythm, made too many simple ball losses, and often seemed a step too late in duels. Ecuador was the hungrier team and deservedly rewarded itself with the victory and advancement to the playoffs. For Germany, this defeat hopefully serves as a very loud wake-up call. With such an attitude, Germany should definitely not be thinking about the quarter-finals.Group F: Japan vs. Sweden 1:1
This was not a football delicacy, but rather a 90-minute non-aggression pact. Both teams knew exactly that a draw would secure their advancement to the playoffs – and unfortunately, that showed in the game for long stretches. After the goals by Maeda and Elanga, not much happened, and both teams were happy at the end. While no beauty prizes were awarded, sometimes in a World Cup, only the result matters.Group F: Tunisia vs. Netherlands 1:3
The Netherlands completed their duties convincingly and deservedly secured the group win. Oranje laid the groundwork for success with two early goals, remained unfazed by the interim goal from Tunisia, and sealed the deal a little later. In summary, a composed performance from a team that has been one of the most consistent in this World Cup – the Netherlands will definitely be a force to reckon with in the playoffs.Group D: Turkey vs. USA 3:2
For Turkey, the victory came too late – but it nonetheless felt good. After two bitter defeats, the team left this World Cup with a strong performance and a last-minute goal, holding their heads high. Against the already qualified group winner USA, the Turks finally showed the coolness they had previously lacked. A reconciliatory conclusion to what was overall a disappointing World Cup – and a tiny consolation for the passionate fans.Group D: Paraguay vs. Australia 0:0
Much risk? None to be seen. Paraguay seemed satisfied with third place and a possible playoff duel against Germany… and managed the goalless draw quite confidently for most of the match. Australia also had no reason to force the issue, as the point was sufficient for advancement. In the end, it was a 0:0 that offered little entertainment but sent both teams into the playoffs.
Upcoming Matches (Today 6 matchups)Group I: Norway vs. France – 9:00 PM
France has convincingly won their two previous matches, but only impressively at times. Norway arrives with confidence after two wins and a strong offensive performance. Both teams are fighting for group victory – which also affects their position in the tournament tree. The group winner lands on the left side of the tournament tree with Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, while the group runner-up goes on the other side in the 8-bracket with Brazil and England. That alone makes this matchup one of the most exciting games of the last group match day. My prediction: Norway – France 2:3.Group I: Senegal vs. Iraq – 9:00 PM
For Senegal, the situation is clear: a victory would likely seal their advancement to the playoffs. Iraq still has its chances but will likely need a victory by at least three goals to clinch the playoff spot. Accordingly, Iraq will throw everything forward from the start – which could open up spaces for Senegal to counterattack. My prediction: Senegal – Iraq 2:1.Group H: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia – 2:00 AM
Cape Verde has been the surprise of this World Cup and has a great chance of making it to the knockout stage. A victory would solidify the sensation, but probably even a draw would suffice. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is under pressure and desperately needs three points to keep their hopes for further matches alive. The roles are unexpectedly reversed this time: the underdog enters the match with momentum. I actually believe Cape Verde can pull off another coup. My prediction: Cape Verde – Saudi Arabia 2:1.Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain – 2:00 AM
A hot duel. Spain has impressively improved after a rocky start, while Uruguay remains unbeaten but has already dropped points twice. For Uruguay, the math is brutally simple: a win means group victory, a loss means going out of the World Cup. Two great football nations, two completely different play styles, and a wealth of quality on the field. Football heart, what more could you want? Spain wins 2:0 and sends Uruguay home.Group G: Egypt vs. Iran & New Zealand vs. Belgium – 5:00 AM
Group G remains open until the last minute. All four teams still have chances – theoretically even for group victory. Only Egypt is already through; everything behind them is still completely open. At 5:00 AM, it’ll be a remote duel where the leaderboard can change by the minute. For those still awake, it could be one of the most exciting hours of this World Cup. My predictions: Egypt narrowly wins 1:0 against Iran, and Belgium only manages to salvage a 2:1 victory against New Zealand just before the end. This would see Egypt and Belgium advance – while Iran and New Zealand would be heading home.