Stoppage of play: Friday 25 November, at 19:59
1. England – USA, 1
England are one of the teams that impressed us the most in the first group stage, with their 6-2 win against Iran. The USA had a good first half against Wales, but collapsed in the second. It is not enough to perform only in half the matches, and especially not when the opposition here is raised. We believe England will win this match, and feel comfortable leaving the 1 alone. Here you can read more about game tips & stream to England – USA.
2. Tunisia – Australia, 1
Tunisia impressed in the first round, when they played 0-0 against a strong Denmark. Here you meet Australia, who lost by a whopping 1-4 against France. The Australians started the match well, but lost heavily after that.
This is a must-win match for Tunisia, given the way it looks in the group and given that they have France left in the last match. We believe that you go for it, and that you succeed. Single in Tunisia – Australia.
3. Poland – Saudi Arabia, 1
Poland drew 0-0 against Mexico in the opener, but should have won given they had a penalty. Here you meet Saudi Arabia, who offered this year’s scalp by defeating Argentina. Despite Saudi’s amazing performance, we think Poland wins here. The Poles are under pressure to win the match, and we believe they will succeed in that. The 1st is left alone.
4. France – Denmark, 1X
France put on a great show when they beat Australia 4-1. Here you meet Denmark, who “only” got 0-0 against Tunisia. The favorite is clearly France, but the Danes have proved to be responsible for scalps in the past. Among other things, they beat France twice in the Nations League earlier this year. We don’t think there will be a Danish victory this time, but we don’t rule out a draw. We play 1X on France – Denmark.
5. Argentina – Mexico, 1
Argentina flopped badly in the opening game, losing to Saudi Arabia in what was one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history. Now it’s time to bounce back straight away, when you meet Mexico here. Mexico drew 0-0 against Poland in their opening match, but could well have lost given Poland had a penalty.
Historically, Argentina has had it relatively easy for Mexico, and it is a big brother in America. Here we think that Messi and the gang solve a victory, and leave the 1 alone.
6. Japan – Costa Rica, 1
Japan impressed big when they defeated Germany in the opening match, and a win against Costa Rica here looks really bright in terms of potential advancement to the round of 16. The match against Costa Rica, who lost 0-7 against Spain in their opener, is a must-match for Japan given that they face Spain in the final round. Here we believe in a Japanese victory, and we nail the 1st.
7. Belgium – Morocco, 1X
Belgium won their opening match against Canada 1-0, but it was certainly not an impressive performance. The team could just as well have lost, and they looked tired and uninspired. Morocco drew 0-0 against Croatia in their opener, which is a strong result.
Although the Belgians did not convince in their match, we rate them higher here. But we wouldn’t be surprised if Morocco got a cross. 1X is played here.
8. Croatia – Canada, 1
Croatia did not quite convince as we had hoped in the premiere, when they only played 0-0 against Morocco. However, Morocco should not be underestimated, and here Croatia is pitted against a seemingly simpler opposition in the form of Canada.
Canada threatened more than expected against Belgium, but lacks that final edge needed in attack. Without it, there will be no points against Croatia. We single the 1st.
9. Spain – Germany, 12
Spain really convinced in the World Cup premiere, when they won with a whopping 7-0 against Costa Rica. In addition, we got to see a total of six different goalscorers, and the world will watch out for Spain during this championship. Germany did not make their fans as happy, but lost to Japan 1-2. You have to win here, otherwise it looks really difficult to progress from the group. We therefore believe that they will proceed with full force in the final stage, in the event of a possible draw. Make or break, and we play 12.
10. Cameroon – Serbia
Serbia were stable at the back against Brazil, but forwards not much happened despite great quality on paper. Here, only victory counts for both teams, and then we won’t see a draw. We play a “gubbgardering”, 12.
11. South Korea – Ghana, 12
South Korea were hard pressed against Uruguay, but did not threaten much going forward. However, we know that the offensive quality is there with Heung-Min Son, and with a player like that, no defense is safe. Ghana were by no means harmless against Portugal, where they lost 2-3. Here is a key match for both teams in terms of advancing from the group, and here it is all or nothing. We play a so-called “fork”, 12.
12. Brazil – Switzerland, 1
The brass are the biggest favorites to win the WC, and are really clear favorites in every match they play. We have little doubt that they will succeed in beating Switzerland. The teams met in the 2018 World Cup and actually played 1-1, but it was a match Brazil dominated and should have won. Here we think that the brass solve three pegs, and nail the 1st.
13. Portugal – Uruguay, 1X2
Uruguay looked relatively lackluster going forward against South Korea, despite all the edge they are sitting on. Something was missing, even if there was some initiative and trying to move forward at times. Against a strong Portuguese defense, more edge will be required. However, with players like Suárez, Cavani and Núñez, nothing is impossible. We don’t rule anything out, but we guard against it.