Spain vs. Cape Verde
This will be the first meeting between the Blue Sharks from the ten-island African archipelago and “La Roja,” also known as “La Furia Roja,” of Spain, a nation that began a dominant cycle back in 2010.
Cape Verde will make its first-ever appearance in World Cup competition, and it could not get much tougher than facing the back-to-back European Champion and a team heavily favored to once again bring home the Cup.
Spain is set to dominate possession and control the match while limiting Cabo Verde’s counterattacks. Matters do not get any easier for Cape Verde with Spain’s offense getting a huge boost from the return of Lamine Yamal, who is paired with Nico Williams. The world will pay witness to new greatness, with some optimists even expecting Yamal to potentially take on Messi’s crown as the best player in the world.
Spain will not let up, and they will not pay any tribute to a “mercy” rule because goals matter. Cape Verde may only get relief during halftime and hydration breaks from an onslaught of Spanish attacks.
Spain is going to come out hard to prove to the world exactly why they are one of the top teams to bring home the Cup. It is going to be a day where the Blue Sharks learn the definition of La Roja.Pro Paul’s Pick: Spain wins and over 3.5 total goals.
Belgium vs. Egypt
This is going to be a battle from the opening whistle.
Belgium and Egypt are somewhat familiar with each other from recent years, having split results in past campaigns. The Belgium Red Devils enter in great form, scoring 29 goals in their past five contests while allowing only three goals against.
Egypt is also in strong form. They may not be scoring as many goals, with only three in their past five contests, but they have fared well defensively, allowing only two goals against, both of which came in a 1-2 result against Brazil.
Belgium has all the confidence in the world, going forward with a stellar defense while presenting a lethal offensive front. Despite the strength of Egypt’s defense and their unity as a team, the Red Devils are fluent in Flemish and goal scoring, and they should be too strong to keep off the scoreboard.Pro Paul’s Pick: Belgium wins.
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay
Uruguay is a founding soccer nation of FIFA and won the first World Cup in 1930. They had the honor of hoisting the trophy for a second time in 1950 and have been a consistent contender for 75 years.
Saudi Arabia is no stranger to World Cup competition, qualifying eight times, with their best finish coming in 1994 when they reached the Round of 16.
Highly skilled midfielder Federico Valverde will dictate the pace and rhythm for Uruguay, but anticipate occasional disruptions as Saudi Arabia looks to counter, knowing that the Uruguay defense has been weakened and has gaps to fill.
South American teams have had a mild-to-rough start, with Brazil suffering a tie against Morocco, Paraguay losing big to the U.S. 4-1, and Ecuador being shocked in the 90th minute in a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast. This feels like a temperature check, and one would hope Uruguay got the memo.
Do not discount Saudi Arabia doing big things coming into the Cup, as they are filled with hope and confidence to start group play.Pro Paul’s Pick: Draw.
Iran vs. New Zealand
Iran can be hot one game and cold the next, from playing England tough in a 1-0 loss to suffering a 4-0 blowout loss to Haiti.
Iran has faced challenges no other team has had to deal with, but they are here and ready to play. Led by team captain and top goal scorer Mehdi Taremi, Iran knows that their best chance to reach the knockout rounds is to secure points against New Zealand.
The only problem with that is New Zealand is thinking the exact same thing. The Kiwis know their best path to the knockout round of 32 is to secure points from Iran.
With both teams knowing exactly what is on the line, expect the game to open up with quick counters and outside shots on goal early as each side tests the other’s nerves and tries to set the tempo.
The scenario sets the stage for a Group World Cup derby of sorts between two nations that play very different styles. I guess it cannot get more interesting than that.
There are always upsets in the early rounds, and this is where one could be very possible, but the Kiwis should prevail.
