The 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup has been filled with top quality football and goals. 85 goals have been scored in 32 matches, we are yet to witness a scoreless game so far. For the neutrals, the excitement has been worthwhile. Host Russia have led the pack scoring eight goals in two games, same for Belgium and England who have dispatched their opponents with relative ease. The Three North African teams will be exiting the tournament after the group phase, they lost their opening two games respectively while Poland became the first European team to be eliminated. Argentina have been disappointing at the World Cup till date but could still qualify for the Round of 16 with a victory in their final group game against Nigeria.
Here is our preview of some key fixtures in the final round of group games.
Group A;
URUGUAY v RUSSIA – MON. 25 JUNE 2018, 15.00HRS
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The host nation have surprised everyone with their performance in the first two group games winning both and scoring eight time. On the other hand, Uruguay have won both games with a similar 1-0 score line. This game is Samara is all about determining who will win Group A. Uruguay sit second on the table thanks to Russia’s goal difference. La Celeste haven’t particularly lit up the Mundial in either games they won but have done enough to secure required points. The winner and runner-up from this group are likely to meet either Spain or Portugal in the second round which is huge challenge for them. The Uruguay challenge is a real test for Russia as they prepare for life in the knock-out phase of the tournament.
VERDICT – Both sides have met once in a friendly back in 2012 with the game ending in a draw. Uruguay have shown they are a tough side to break down, they haven’t conceded in their last five matches and are led in defense by Diego Godin. Сборная will be backed by a vocal crowd at the Samara Arena in this final group game in a bid to ensure their team continues with the same momentum. We are not expecting a huge score line here, under 2.5 goals is our prediction.
Group B;
IRAN v PORTUGAL – MON. 25 JUNE 2018, 19.00HRS
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Iran and Portugal square off at Mordovia Arena in Saransk in a battle for a place in the Round of 16. Iran lost Spain in a fortuitous victory for La Furia Roja. Carlos Queiroz side have built their performances on a rock solid defensive platform but will need to be a bit more adventurous; a draw against Selecao das Quinas will not be enough to secure qualification. Portugal occupy second spot in the group because of their inferior disciplinary record to Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo’s fourth minute goal earned the European champions a victory over Morocco on Match-day 2. The Portuguese performance was poor, they rode their luck and managed to secure a victory. Against Iran, we are in need of a victory and gave Spain a good fight, Fernando Santos team will need a better outing. Iran and Portugal are about to cross each other’s paths for the second time over the course of history. The lone previous meeting took place at the World Cup in Germany back in 2006 when Selecao das Quinas took a comfortable 2-0 victory with second-half goals from Deco and Cristiano Ronaldo.
VERDICT – Can Cristiano Ronaldo continue his dream campaign at the World Cup as he comes into the game having bagged each of his team’s four goals so far in the competition? Iran and Portugal have met once at the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Portugal winning, a certain Cristiano Ronaldo was on the scoresheet. Iran are not a real attacking force but they need to force the issue in Saransk if they hope to progress. It is unlikely we would see an open end-to-end game as both sides can be rigid defensively. Under 2.5 goals.
Group C;
DENMARK v FRANCE – TUE. 26 JUNE 2018, 15.00HRS
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Denmark face France at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow with knowledge that a point will be enough to secure second spot in Group C. France have qualified for the second round having won their opening two matches. The French have not been entirely convincing but they produced a better performance in front of goal against Peru in spite of winning the game with a solitary strike from Kylian Mbappe; Les Blues need a point in this game to finish as group winner.
VERDICT – Both sides have conceded a single goal each from the penalty spot in two games which shows their defensive solidity. This has a draw written all over it as it earns both teams a result which fulfils their group stage ambition. Under 2.5 goals
Group D;
NIGERIA v ARGENTINA – TUE. 26 JUNE 2018, 19.00HRS
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Argentina face a must-win situation in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday when they take on Nigeria in their final group match. Jorge Sampaoli’s team performance against Croatia caused anger and pain amongst La Albiceleste fans including Diego Maradona who couldn’t restrain himself in the VIP section of Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. On the other hand, Nigeria has shown two ends of the spectrum; their poor display against Croatia and the impressive victory over Iceland. Both sides cannot afford a defeat in this crucial match in an intriguingly poised group. Coaches Rohr and Sampaoli changed system and personnel after their opening games with the former excelling while the latter is facing a mutiny within his camp.
VERDICT – Nigeria’s victory over Iceland provided Argentina with the faint lifeline required to keep their hopes alive and avoid exiting the tournament in the group stage for the first time since the 2002 debacle. Jorge Sampaoli will have to take more risks against Nigeria to stand a chance but their weak defense should be an easy target for the West African nation. Argentina have won all their previous FIFA World Cup encounter against Nigeria by the odd goal but the last meeting between these sides ended 4-2 in favor of the Africans. Both sides have goals in them, we expect both teams to score.
ICELAND v CROATIA – TUE. 26 JUNE 2018, 19.00HRS
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Croatia secured their place in the next round of the World Cup with a resounding three nil victory over Argentina on Thursday. Vatreni face an old foe in Iceland on Tuesday who are in search of a victory to stand a chance of making it through. Iceland started their debut World Cup campaign with an impressive defensive display against Argentina but were blown apart by Nigeria in the second game. Strákarnir okkar would be low in confidence after the defeat. Croatia have done the business winning their first two games scoring five and conceding none. Coach Zlatko Dalic is likely to rest some key players in this final game as the knockout phase kicks off soon.
VERDICT – Croatia has won four of the last six meetings against Iceland. Both sides were in the same World Cup qualifying group, each team winning their home game. It would be interesting to see how Iceland react to their defeat to Nigeria. They have to change their style and attack against Croatia, only victory can guarantee qualification. Croatia are in a good moment and that could see them pick another three points in Rostov.
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