The 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup has been filled with top quality football and goals. 97 goals have been scored in 36 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, two Asians teams joined yesterday while Poland became the first European team to be eliminated.
Here is our preview of some key fixtures in the final round of group games.
Group E;
SERBIA v BRAZIL – WED. 27 JUNE 2018, 19.00HRS
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Brazil left it very late at Saint Petersburg in breaking down a determined Costa Rica defense led by Keylor Navas. Los Ticos lost their opening game against Serbia therefore they required a result against Brazil which they couldn’t get. Serbia controlled the opening stanza of the Kaliningrad match against Switzerland but couldn’t match the intensity required to see out the game. A victory is the only outcome that can guarantee passage to the next round for Serbia in their match against the Selecao who require just a point to seal qualification. Бели Орлови/Бели Орлови (The White Eagles) need a miracle at the Spartak stadium to overcome Brazil. On the other hand, Brazil are yet to impress at this tournament so far and have injuries concern; first choice right back Danilo and Douglas Costa have been ruled out of this game which limits Tite’s option.
VERDICT – Both sides have met just once in 2014 with Brazil winning on that occasion. Serbia have scored in their last 15 matches which shows their attacking prowess against a susceptible Brazilian defense. Serbia will play with no fear though Brazil have several good individuals but we are yet to see them play as a strong unit. This isn’t a walk in the park for Brazil who will have to earn their victory in the game. Over 2.5 goals
Group F;
KOREA REPUBLIC v GERMANY – WED. 27 JUNE 2018, 15.00HRS
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Despite a spirited performance against Mexico, Korea Republic succumbed to a 2-1 loss and they need to create a huge upset against Germany and hope for a Mexican victory to progress. Germany produced the character of champions in their victory over Sweden in Sochi to keep their World Cup campaign alive. Die Mannschaft need to beat Korea Republic in order to progress from what is proving out to be quite a challenging Group F. Joachim Loew and his team can breathe easier as they prepare for the game in Kazan. The World Cup winning coach appears not to be sure of his best starting XI after two games and we wouldn’t be surprised to see changes in the line-up though some are forced. Jerome Boateng is suspended for this game and Sebastain Rudy may be unavailable due to injury. Koreans are known to be fighters and that’s exactly what they have to do in their final group game to stand any chance.
VERDICT – Korea and Germany have met thrice in the past including two games at the FIFA World Cup in 1994 and 2002. Germany won both games at the finals but Korea have a victory against the Germans in a friendly. Son Heung-Min is the livewire of his team in attack and we can expect him to keep the World Champions defense on their toes. This fixture has nothing but a German victory written all over it but we have seen stranger things even at the World Cup finals. Over 2.5 goals.
MEXICO v SWEDEN – WED. 27 JUNE 2018, 15.00HRS
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Mexico still require a point in their final group game to win the group in spite of their impressive start in the tournament. Sweden have to pick themselves up after the last minute heartbreak in Sochi; they need a victory against Mexico in Ekaterinburg and then hope Korea beat Germany in the other group game. A victory for Sweden is easier said than done; Mexico perform well in World Cup groups winning ten and drawing seven of their last 19 group matches. Sweden are well structured defensively but they would need more in attack because a draw may not be sufficient in this game. Mexico would be expected to line up in their preferred 4-2-3-1 system with Chicharito leading the line while Sweden will operate in a flat 4-4-2 structure. We don’t envisage changes in personnel from either team so a similar starting XI is high on the cards.
VERDICT – Mexico and Sweden have met four times in the past; once at the FIFA World Cup in 1958 and three other times in international friendlies. Sweden won the World Cup match in 1958 on home soil and a friendly game in 2009. Mexico won a friendly in 1994 and we saw a draw in 2005. Sweden need all three points but it is unlikely they change their defensive-minded approach against Mexico. Over 1.5 goals is our prediction for this game at Ekaterinburg Arena.
Group G;
ENGLAND v BELGIUM – THUR. 28 JUNE 2018, 19.00HRS
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With qualification secured by both countries, it is all about top position in Group G when England and Belgium meet at Kaliningrad Stadium on Thursday. This English team has crept under the radar so far but their performance have been quite impressive; this game is a real test for both teams to evaluate their tournament capability. This ‘golden generation’ for Belgium are yet to perform to its expected height having crashed out in the quarter finals of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Euros. Roberto Martinez team would love to make an impression in the game as we head into the knock phase. The Belgium coach has hinted at resting some of his key players for this game, he has the luxury of adequate replacements off the bench and this could be a good opportunity to test other players. This match has the coloration of the best of the best in the English Premier League going against each other. Harry Kane leads the scoring chart with Romelu Lukaku following closely as the race for the golden boot gets more intense.
VERDICT – England are unbeaten in 11 meetings against Belgium, the Three Lions won the last meeting in 2012. Belgium have won both games but still do not have the right balance. If Martinez makes several changes to his team, this could tip the game towards England who will want to keep the momentum going into the knockout phase. We expect an entertaining game but not so many goals. Under 2.5 goals
Group H;
SENEGAL v COLOMBIA – THUR. 28 JUNE 2018, 15.00HRS
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Senegal face dangerous opponent Colombia in their final group match in Samara. The South American face a must win game situation having lost their opening match to Japan. “We were playing with the pressure of having to win – there was no room for any mistakes,” said manager Jose Pekerman. “We shouldered that responsibility fully but with creative football. We managed to impose this quality, this type of football that we have.” Senegal are a point above Colombia in Group H, the Terranga Lions have four points from their first two matches and can book a place in the last 16 with a draw. While Senegal will rely on Sadio Mane for inspiration, Los Cafeteros now have plenty of momentum following their 3-0 victory over Poland and can call on James Rodriguez, Juan Fernando Quintero or ageless Radamel Falcao who also opened his World Cup goal account in Kazan.
VERDICT – Senegal and Colombia played each other in 2014, the single meeting between both sides ended in a draw in Buenos Aires. Senegal progressed beyond in their only World Cup appearance and they have the opportunity to do so with a draw in this game. Games in Group H have proven difficult to predict both I expect both teams to score in the game.
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