A total of 38 goals were scored in 16 matches across eight groups in Match-Day 1 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It has been a mixed bag of result and performances across board especially for African teams who have struggled to impress. Defending champions Germany suffered a surprise defeat while South American giants Argentina and Brazil could alone manage draws. Match-Day 2 offers some teams the opportunity to book their place in the Round of 16 if they secure a second victory while others have to win to stay alive in Russia.
Here is our preview of some key fixtures across the eight groups.
Group B;
PORTUGAL V MOROCCO – WED. 20 JUNE 2018, 13.00HRS
View Game & Bet
Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the player of Match-Day 1 with his hat-trick in the Iberian Peninsula derby. The Portuguese skipper was the tormentor-in-chief and Spain would be glad they will not be facing in anytime soon. Morocco conceded a last-gasp goal against Iran in an evenly matched game; the North Africans have it all to do against the Europeans to stay alive in the tournament. Morocco have proven to be difficult to beat under Herve Renard. They can draw inspiration from the only meeting between these two sides at the 1986 World Cup with Morocco win the fixture 3-1 in the group stage. Portugal showed character during the game against Spain and kept ploughing till they got a result which means they will attack.
VERDICT – The Atlas Lions of Morocco cannot afford to lose this game so we expect a compact game from them. Portugal have shown their ruthless when they play on the break but against a team ready to sit and defend, it is a different challenge. With Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch, you are almost guaranteed a goal. Over 1.5 goals is our prediction
Group D;
ARGENTINA v CROATIA – THURS. 21 JUNE 2018, 19.00HRS
View Game & Bet
Argentina are under pressure and could be on the brink of elimination from the World Cup depending on the outcome of Nigeria v Iceland game on Friday. Croatia sit on top of the table thanks to their two nil victory over Nigeria which affords them some room for error as they do not need to go guns blazing against La Albiceleste. It is difficult to evaluate the Croats as their first opponent Nigeria were as poor as any team we have seen at this Mundial. Criticism for Jorge Sampaoli and his team have come from all quarters and it should be expected. The line-up for the Iceland game did not look balance in midfield, an area Croatia have sufficient quality. Croatia should expect a stiffer test at Nizhny Novgorod stadium.
VERDICT – Argentina and Croatia met at the 1998 FIFA World Cup with Argentina picking up a victory in that game. Argentina would be left vulnerable at the back as they need to open up from the starting whistle. The attacking threat of Argentina and the midfield guile of Croatia means we should expect goals from both teams so our prediction is both teams to score
NIGERIA v ICELAND – FRI. 22 JUNE 2018, 16.00HRS
View Game & Bet
World Cup debutants Iceland earned a massive point with an excellent defensive performance against Argentina. The Super Eagles of Nigeria provided nothing in the final third in their opening game against Croatia which makes their task against the rock-solid defense of Iceland even harder. Nigeria are in a dire situation and cannot afford another poor performance like they offered at Kaliningrad last Saturday.
Iceland draw against Argentina has provided the small nation with a platform to build in their bid to secure qualification to the Round of 16. In recent times, Strákarnir okkar have played some top football nations like Portugal, England, Croatia and now Argentina but did not lose any of them. Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has to rejig his squad and find the perfect system and playing personnel to bring down resolute Iceland.
VERDICT – Both sides will be meeting for the first time at Volgograd Arena. The loss to Croatia made it three on the bounce for Super Eagles following defeats to Argentina and France in Brazil four years ago. We expect a close contest with both sides requiring a victory. Over 2.5 goals
Group E;
BRAZIL v COSTA RICA – FRI. 22 JUNE 2018, 13.00HRS
View Game & Bet
Brazil dropped points in their opening game against Switzerland but will need to restore confidence with a victory at Saint Petersburg on Friday. The draw against the Europeans made it three games with a victory for the Seleção at the World Cup. Costa Rica lost their opening game against Serbia but they were outplayed at the Cosmos Arena in Samara. They are likely going to set up in a defensive system and hold on for as long as possible against the five-time World champions. Brazil need to be more ruthless in front of goal when the opportunities present itself as their wastefulness was punished at Rostov Arena.
VERDICT – This is a must-win game for Brazil, the last time both sides met at the FIFA World Cup in 2002, Brazil outclassed Costa Rica 5-2. Brazil have the quality to bring down the defensive solidity that Costa Rica will put forward. The Samba boys should be winning both at half time and full time in the game.
Group F;
GERMANY v SWEDEN – SAT. 23 JUNE 2018, 19.00HRS
View Game & Bet
Every game in the World Cup has become a final for Germany if they intend to retain the title they won four years ago at the Maracana. Against all odds, Die Mannschaft lost their opening game to Mexico and could count themselves lucky the score line was a solitary goal victory. Mexico exposed the defending champions at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow. Sweden won their opener against Korea Republic thanks to a Captain Andreas Granqvist spot kick. Blågult have put themselves in a good position to go through to the knockout stage but will find out soon enough at Fisht Olympic stadium that Germany are no Korea Republic. Coach Joachim Loew will need to ring the changes after their rather poor start; he has the personnel available to do so. Germany did not lose throughout their victorious campaign in Brazil four years ago so the loss to Mexico should serve as a wakeup call.
VERDICT – Germany are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings with Sweden, seven wins and four draws. These teams have met four times at the World Cup, Germany won thrice and Sweden once. I expect a huge reaction from the Germans who should push hard from the start. It is difficult seeing beyond a victory for the defending champions.
Group G;
BELGIUM v TUNISIA – SAT. 23 JUNE 2018, 13.00HRS
View Game & Bet
Belgium kicked off their World Cup campaign with a comfortable three nil win over Panama. The Red Devils outclassed Los Ticos in their opening Group G game and a win over Tunisia would see them book their place in the last 16. The win over Panama made it five subsequent wins in the group phase of the World Cup. Tunisia were within minutes of securing a draw in their group opener against England before Harry Kane dashed their hopes. The situation is clear for all the teams who lost their opening game that they need to avoid defeat in the second game in order to stay alive. Tunisia have shown they are difficult to beat but coach Maaloul has reasons to be worried by poor defensive reactions in set piece situation.
VERDICT – Belgium and Tunisia have met thrice with 1W 1D 1L each. Their meeting at the 2002 FIFA World Cup ended in a draw. The Carthage Eagles will have to take more risks as they look for a positive result in this game. The Belgians have too much firepower and we expect their quality to prevail.
Group H;
JAPAN v SENEGAL – SUN. 24 JUNE 2018, 16.00HRS
View Game & Bet
Both of these teams earned surprised victories in their opening games, although Japan were obviously helped by Colombia conceding a penalty and going down to to 10 men in the first few minutes of their match. The Terranga Lions and Samurai Blue know that a victory in this game at Ekaterinburg Arena will ensure qualification to the Round of 16. Both sides may decide to adopt a cautious approach in this game which leaves qualification within reach for both sides. Senegal were impessive in their 2-1 win over Poland with the West African nation preventing Robert Lewandowski from scoring.
VERDICT – Japan and Senegal will meet each other for the first time in Ekaterinburg. Both sides have found the back of the net in each of their last three games which means we can be guarantee goals from both teams. Our prediction is both teams to score.
POLAND v COLOMBIA – SUN. 24 JUNE 2018, 19.00HRS
View Game & Bet
Poland and Colombia surprisingly lost their opening games to Senegal and Japan respectively. Both sides face each other at Kazan Arena in what is expected to be a crucial match. Neither sides can afford to lose this match. Biało-czerwoni failed to impress in their opening match against Senegal; star player Robert Lewandowski would have been singled out for criticism. Los Cafeteros suffered similar defeat to Japan with Carlos Sanchez receiving a marching order in the third minute of the game. James Rodriguez should be handed a starting role and he should provide the outlet for Colombia’s attack.
VERDICT – These sides have met once during with Colombia winning the game in an international friendly. This match was supposed to determine the winner and runner up in this group but it is a survival game for both. We expect both teams to have a go at it and could end up canceling each other out. A draw looks very likely.
This wraps up our previews for Match-Day 2 across the Groups at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Keep playing, keep winning….
Predict and win big during the FIFA World Cup by visiting Babaijebu.ng