Pottis World Cup Diary #7: Messi Shines, Haaland Delivers

And suddenly it’s going well. All four trends correct. I repeat: all four! Plus, an accurate result tip. Based on my previous record, this feels roughly like I just took the lead in the prediction game.In the places, two gentlemen made headlines. Lionel Messi celebrated his 200th international match with a hat trick and tied for the most World Cup goals with Miroslav Klose. Erling Haaland also scored twice and showed that Norway has more in store for this World Cup than just posting beautiful social media content.Group I: France vs. Senegal 3:1 France started the World Cup with a win but had a tough time against Senegal. The Africans were at least equal in the first half and could have been in the lead at halftime, if not must. It wasn’t until after the break that France stepped up their game. Then the individual class of the vice world champion showed itself. Kylian Mbappé scored twice. Due to a strong second half, France achieved a deserved 3:1 victory – although there were some shaky moments that could become an issue against stronger opponents. Our tip was 3:1. Bullseye.Group I: Iraq vs. Norway 1:4 Erling Haaland clearly didn’t plan any acclimatization time for this World Cup. The Norwegian striker scored twice and led his team to a convincing 4:1 victory against Iraq. A blunder by goalkeeper Hassan helped significantly. Iraq played quite well in the first half but was not rewarded for their efforts. The dark horse from Norway is safely heading toward the knockout rounds. At least I got Haaland’s two goals and the trend right.Group J: Argentina vs. Algeria 3:0 Lionel Messi once again showed why football fans have been in awe of him for two decades. In his 200th international match, the Argentinian scored three goals and almost single-handedly took down Algeria. On top of that, he tied Miroslav Klose with 16 World Cup goals and wrote another chapter in his already absurdly successful career. Additionally, Messi set another record: Together with Cristiano Ronaldo, he is now the only player in football history to have played in six different World Cups. The Algerians made a valiant effort. However, it wasn’t enough for a consolation goal. In short: Messi had a historic evening – Algeria a long one. Argentina has started its title defense mission. At least we got the trend tip correct.Group J: Austria vs. Jordan 3:1 Our Austrian neighbors probably expected a much more relaxed evening. Instead of a cozy World Cup evening, it turned into a surprisingly entertaining match. Jordan played boldly forwards, putting in dangerous strikes time and again and fought until the last minute as if defending the World Championship title. Austria had more quality on the pitch and deserved to win in the end, but they had to work much harder than expected. And they still had to sweat until the end. The Jordanians are racking up sympathy and hard work points. In short: Austria secures the three points, Jordan wins the hearts of the neutrals.

Upcoming Matches

Group K: Portugal vs. DR Congo – 19:00 Portugal travels as one of the (dark) favorites to the World Cup – with Cristiano Ronaldo, who will probably be on the big stage for the last time at this World Cup. At 41 years old. Because CR7 apparently decided that retirement is for others. The DR Congo (formerly Zaire) is playing in their first World Cup since 1974 and at least brings a lot of joy to the game. Nevertheless, Ronaldo should score at least once today. And honestly, a World Cup evening without a Cristiano goal celebration feels somewhat incomplete. My tip: Portugal wins 3:1.Group L: England vs. Croatia – 22:00 When England travels to a World Cup, the hope for the first title since 1966 traditionally travels with them. This time, there’s also a German coach on the bench, which only heightens expectations on the island. With Harry Kane, the English have the most reliable striker in the tournament. However, Croatia should never be underestimated. The Croatians reached the semifinals in three of their six World Cup appearances! A record many nations dream of. Still, there’s much to favor England. And if they win, the English media are likely to start planning the route for the World Cup parade again. My tip: England wins 2:1. 2x Kane.Group L: Ghana vs. Panama – 01:00 Honestly, I have much less opinion on this match than on most others in this World Cup. Ghana does have some World Cup tradition, and Panama fights passionately for every ball, but my expert knowledge is absolutely limited. Therefore, I decided to conduct the analysis at the highest scientific level: I rolled dice. And who am I to argue with a die? My tip: Ghana wins 4:2.Group K: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia – 04:00 Here, I also adhere to honesty: I have no idea about Uzbekistan. The country lies somewhere between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, so my expertise on Uzbekistan is largely exhausted. Just qualifying for the World Cup is a huge achievement for the Central Asians. Colombia, on the other hand, is one of those teams that is always unpleasant to play against in a World Cup. Technically strong, passionate, and often good for spectacular matches. Maybe the Uzbeks will surprise me and mercilessly punish this analysis tomorrow morning. But my gut feeling says otherwise. Therefore, my tip: Colombia wins 2:0.