The 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup kick offs today with all participating teams motivated for their opening group match. The first game is important for every team as it usually sets the tone and helps towards achieving the first objective which is qualification to the Round of 16.
Here is our preview of some key fixtures across the eight groups.
Group A;
RUSSIA v SAUDI ARABIA – THURS. 14 JUNE 2018, 16.00HRS
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Russia take on Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki stadium in the opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Russians have been struggling to find their best form in 2018 but this match against the Saudis could be the turning point for the tournament hosts. They are on a seven game win-less run with three draws and four losses. Saudi have had their own share of problems too including managerial changes. New coach Juan Antonio Pizzi hasn’t got enough time with his team. This match is his 10th in charge of the Green Falcons. Pizzi managed just three victories and a draw in his first nine games. Their major concern would be in defense where they have conceded 16 goals in nine games.
VERDICT – Both teams are vulnerable in defense which means mistakes would be made and goals which come. This match will not be the prettiest opening game of a World Cup. Over 1.5 goals
EGYPT v URUGUAY – FRI. 15 JUNE 2018, 13.00HRS
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Since booking their place at the World Cup finals, Uruguay haven’t looked back. They won their three friendlies in 2018 without conceding a goal. La Celeste have lost one of their last nine matches, proving very hard to break down with Atletico Madrid Diego Godin commanding the defense.
Egypt’s preparation was dampened with the shoulder injury to star man Mohamed Salah. The Pharaohs are on a six-game winless run ahead of their opening match at Ekaterinburg Arena. Their offensive performance in their 3-0 loss to Belgium must be worrying for coach Hector Cuper.
VERDICT – The only meeting between the sides was in a friendly back in 2006, Uruguay won 2-0. Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani will be the men to watch in Oscar Tabarez’s team and both of the guarantee goals. The North Africans, with or without Salah have struggled to produce their best outside Egypt. The South American nation should edge this.
Group B;
PORTUGAL v SPAIN – FRI. 15 JUNE 2018, 19.00HRS
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All eyes will be on Fisht Olympic Stadium when Portugal and Spain in the Iberian Peninsula derby. Against all odds, Portugal won the Euro 2016 championship and would need to prove their worth at the global showpiece. A Seleção das Quinas are heavy on attack and short in defense. Spain will be desperate to make amend after a rather poor challenge at EURO 2016 when they were stopped by Italy in the last 16. The recent coaching fiasco in Spain’s camp means La Roja have been rocked with another set-back which could affect their World Cup campaign. Spain have abundant riches in midfield and wide areas but haven’t found a worthy successor for David Villa to lead the line. It remains to be seen how former captain Fernando Hierro who is the new coach will galvanize this team. For Portugal, there is no distraction and Cristiano Ronaldo should offer goals and inspiration in attack.
VERDICT – The last six meetings between these sides has been even with 2W 2D 2L respectively. It is the first game for both sides and probably the most difficult in this round. We anticipate a tight contest between these two European giants but Lopetegui’s dismissal has titled this slightly in favor of the Portuguese. Over 2.5 goals
Group C;
FRANCE v AUSTRALIA – SAT. 16 JUNE 2018, 11.00HRS
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France will be eager to kick start their world cup campaign on a winning note against Australia. The French team will be determined to challenge for the World Cup having lost the European Championship final two years ago on home soil. Australia qualified for the World Cup via the playoffs and preparation has been good since Bert van Marwijk took over. Australia have no injury concerns and will be able to call on their regulars for the group opening. It is a huge mismatch on paper and Australia do not have the required resources to challenge France at this level.
VERDICT – The teams have met three time and France are unbeaten with two wins and a draw. France scored at least two goals in seven consecutive matches before the 1-1 draw against USA in their last friendly. However, they conceded in five of their last six games. Australia have scored in seven of their last nine matches. It looks like a French victory but Australia have a goal threat in them. Over 2.5 goals.
Group D;
ARGENTINA v ICELAND – SAT. 16 JUNE 2018, 14.00HRS
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Argentina haven’t had the best preparation going into the World Cup. Two of their last three preparatory friendlies were cancelled due to a reason or another. First choice GK Sergio Romero is out of the World Cup. Due to poor results and preparation, there is a lot of pressure on Jorge Sampaoli. This could equally be Leo Messi’s final opportunity at winning a major international title which has proved elusive. Iceland had an excellent Euro 2016 tournament and qualified for the World Cup ahead of Croatia, Ukraine and Turkey. In spite of their excellent qualifying run, they are currently winless in their last four matches and face the toughest test at the start of their World Cup campaign. Argentina’s experience should count here
VERDICT – This is the first time Argentina and Iceland would be meeting. On paper, Argentina are favorites and have the Lionel Messi factor. Iceland would be organized defensively but holding Argentina out would not be easy. Expect goals in Moscow, over 2.5 goals
CROATIA v NIGERIA – SAT. 16 JUNE 2018, 20.00HRS
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For the first time in recent times, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have prepared excellently for the World Cup and all perceived off-field issues have been attended to before jetting to Russia so football is the focus in at the Mundial. However, results in recent friendlies have not been inspiring which has dampened expectations for the West African country. Croatia’s preparation has been marred with off field issues but coach Dalic needs to channel his team’s focus to this pivotal game in the group. Croatia made it to the World Cup and will draw inspiration from the 1998 Bronze medal winning team. On paper, Croatia are better than Nigeria but beating the West African nation is easier said than done. It is the opening game which means both sides could adopt a cautious approach so I’m going for a draw.
VERDICT – Croatia and Nigeria meet for the first time in Kaliningrad. Croatia have quality across the field better than Nigeria but football is not played with names alone. Nigeria has beaten only European opponents at the World Cup finals. The Super Eagles poor form coming into this game doesn’t inspire confidence which means Croatia would score. We fancy both sides to get on the scoresheet.
Group E;
BRAZIL v SWITZERLAND – SUN. 17 JUNE 2018, 19.00HRS
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The debacle of Belo Horizonte is still fresh in the South American nation as Brazil will kick off their World Cup campaign at Rostov Arena against Switzerland. Samba boys are in high spirit having won all their four friendlies matches in 2018 scoring nine and conceding none. Star player, Neymar appears to have recovered fully from his injury and will surely lead the way for the Brazilians.
Switzerland are equally well prepared with three wins and a draw in their last four warm matches. Die Nati have quality across the park. Both teams are heavy favorites to qualify from this group.
VERDICT – Being one of the main contenders to win the World Cup, Selecao are heavy favourites to top their group. In three meetings against Switzerland, the result has been 1W 1D 1L each. This is the most difficult game for Switzerland so they will likely park the bus. Brazil will look to Neymar for inspiration to unlock the Swiss team. A Brazilian victory is very likely.
Group F;
GERMANY v MEXICO – SUN. 17 JUNE 2018, 16.00HRS
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Germany start their World Cup defense against Mexico at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow. Joachim Loew’s team would be eager to avoid the recent failures of defending champions who get knocked out in the first round. Die Mannschaft qualified for the 2018 World Cup in style winning all their qualifying matches and scoring tons of goals (43 goals in 10 matches). Mexico qualified for Russia by topping the qualifying zone. This is Mexico seventh consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup. Mexico often bring their killer instinct to World Cups and have made it to the Round of 16 in the last six previous finals. Germany did a lot of experimenting during their preparation but they are expected to tune in once the tournament starts.
VERDICT – These sides have met three times at the World Cup with Germany winning all. Mexico are coming with some decent form and they will have confidence in their bags. We can expect goals in Moscow so we are going with over 2.5 goals here.
Group G;
TUNISIA v ENGLAND – MON. 18 JUNE 2018, 19.00HRS
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Tunisia would be making an appearance at the World Cup since 2006 finals but will be without star man Youssef Msakni whose absence will affect their hopes of progressing beyond the group stages. This is the first time recent history England will be entering a major tournament without high expectation. It has helped Gareth Southgate’s team prepare with less pressure. The Three Lions have had two disappointing outings in their last two major tournaments but would still be expected to qualify from their group. In order to do so, a win over Tunisia is required in Volgograd. Tunisia preparation has been solid, losing once in their last five matches.
VERDICT – England won the last meeting between these two teams at the 1998 finals and are unbeaten against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia. Tunisia have shown their friendlies against Portugal and Spain that they are a hard nut to crack so we are not expecting a high scoring Group G match. Under 2.5 goals.
Group H;
POLAND v SENEGAL – TUES. 19 JUNE 2018, 16.00HRS
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Poland take on Senegal in their opening game in the group. Both sides were dominant during their qualifiers and are coming into the group opener in high spirit. Poland have scored nine goals in their last three warm up matches while Senegal scored four in three. Robert Lewandowski is the leader of his team in attack and will be heavily relied on. Senegal have several good players which is reminiscent of the 2002 World Cup team. Liverpool star Sadio Mane is the livewire for the Terranga Lions and would be expected to create and score goals for his country.
VERDICT – These two teams have never met in a major tournament before which makes this quite difficult to predict. Every point would count in this difficult group so a cautious approach could be adopted. A draw may be on the cards here but each team carries a goal threat.
This wraps up our previews for Match-Day 1 across the Eight Groups at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Keep playing, keep winning….
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