Day 15 of the World Cup brings the final push for Groups D, E, and F, with several teams fighting for survival while others look to sharpen their form before the knockout round.
Team USA has already secured the top spot in Group D, but the co-hosts still have a chance to keep their momentum rolling in front of a fired-up home crowd. Meanwhile, Germany and the Netherlands look to finish strong, Japan and Sweden battle in a major Group F showdown, and Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Australia all face matches with knockout implications.Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast needs only a draw to secure the runner-up spot in Group E and move on into the elimination Round of 32. The Elephants, however, will not be thinking that a draw is good enough. Instead, they will look to apply pressure on Curaçao’s vulnerabilities after Curaçao gave up seven goals against Germany.
Curaçao has had moments in this tournament that did indeed delight the curious crowds, including their game against Ecuador, where they earned a point.
There is no outside chance for Ivory Coast to win the group, but an upset Ecuador win over Germany and an Ivory Coast loss to Curaçao would likely eliminate the Elephants from the tournament. This is highly unlikely, but nothing is impossible, as we have already seen from Cape Verde, another small island nation that has won the hearts of fans around the world.
Curaçao will continue to be a fan favorite and will play its heart out to keep its hopes alive. A win would likely secure Curaçao into the next round and would be the biggest upset story of the tournament so far.
Still, Ivory Coast has the talent, power, and motivation to get the result it needs.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Ivory Coast wins.
Ecuador vs. Germany
Ecuador is still alive, and a win, and only a win, could get them through to the next stage. Unfortunately, they are going against the power of the German machine.
Perhaps the fact that Germany has already locked up the top spot in Group E brings hope to Ecuador, because Germany could rotate five or six new players into the lineup. Sometimes that can backfire for the opponent, because reserve players are hungry to prove to the team, coach, and fans that they belong. They want to earn the start for the next game and often come out motivated and determined beyond the typical starting lineup.
If Ecuador wants to qualify for the next round, they are going to need to put the ball into the net. So far, they have only posted a goose egg in the goals-for column.
Germany has allowed only two goals, one from each opponent, while scoring nine goals. Ecuador knows everything is on the line and has respect for the Germans. They will do everything they can to win this match.
Germany has announced only two changes to the starting lineup, both for injured players in the defense. Germany has not received a yellow card in the tournament and will not need to err on the cautious side going into the match.
Germany is most concerned with improving its already well-orchestrated form, while Ecuador is playing for survival. Anything is possible, just like Germany had to come back late to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1.
It is going to come down to who wants it more.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Germany wins.
Japan vs. Sweden
Japan has demonstrated its skill, speed, and most of all its team chemistry. The Japanese have become favorites of Mexico fans on and off the field, winning hearts when their fans stayed to clean up the stadium after the match.
They bring kindness to the people of Mexico and joy to the fans watching them on the pitch. It is clear they will have a home-field advantage, even though they are thousands of miles from Japan, when they take on Sweden.
Japan can win Group F. The Netherlands can win Group F. So can Sweden. It is an all-in scenario for Group F, except for Tunisia.
Sweden opened the tournament with a lightning-strike performance, then fell victim to the Dutch Touch and took a big loss. The question becomes which Sweden will come out against Japan: the Swedish side that showed strength and ability to win, or the team that showed weakness and defensive breakdowns?
Japan, on the other hand, has been consistent in its performances and persistent through attacking-style soccer.
Two distinctive styles of soccer and a game where both countries have the utmost respect for one another should have us on the edge of our seats, especially as the other all-important Group F game is being played at the same time. That match will also have major relevance as to who advances and who does not.
Group F should and could produce three qualifying teams into the knockouts. Just remember, though, we have all heard about should-haves and could-haves before.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Japan wins.
Tunisia vs. Netherlands
The Orange Army, also known as Oranje, has been on fire, and there are no signs of them letting down. They are carrying some of the highest momentum in the tournament, along with co-host Mexico, Argentina, and France.
Tunisia has scored only one goal and conceded nine, and now faces the difficult task of stopping a Netherlands attack led by Gakpo.
Some experts have the Netherlands taking home the trophy, while others believe they lack the defensive depth to hold off the bigger teams down the road.
Regardless, Tunisia will not be able to stop the well-orchestrated attacks of the Dutch and cannot contain their talented wingers in one-on-one situations. Speed and skill usually prevail, and there will be no hesitation for the Dutch to take advantage of those isolated moments and capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities.
Tunisia may put up a worthy fight, but it will not last. Once the Dutch strike, it could be Tunisia’s curtain call. We can only hope Tunisia has flashes of brilliance that leave fans with great memories from its play during the Cup.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Netherlands wins.
Paraguay vs. Australia
There is so much on the line for both teams, but a draw likely qualifies them both. In that case, Australia would qualify for the knockout stage as the group runner-up, while Paraguay would have to wait until the weekend to learn its fate, though four points on the board would leave them in a secure position.
The South American side has been impressive at times, but the opening 4-1 loss to the U.S. may come back to bite them because of that negative goal differential.
This is going to be a Group D thriller. Defenses will not send too many players forward, and the midfield will be on lockdown. Still, anticipate dynamic play from wingers and strikers going after that heroic moment for their country.
Let’s not forget that nerves and mental lapses can and may play a role in the outcome of this match by causing critical mistakes.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Draw.
Türkiye vs. USA
Team USA has already clinched the top of the group and qualified for the July 1 knockout game in San Francisco, so they will likely make six or seven changes to the lineup.
Expect star player Christian Pulisic to get some minutes, but not play the entire match, as he looks to regain his form after sitting out Matchday 2 due to a calf strain.
The changes should strengthen the team by giving reserves some much-needed playing experience. They will also protect star players Balogun, Adams, Richards, and Robertson, giving them the night off because they all sit on a yellow card. It would be too risky for any of them to receive a second yellow and be forced to sit out the Round of 32.
Türkiye is out of the tournament, and its fans are super bitter after having high hopes of going deep as a dark horse contender. They will now be playing for national pride. They will not make as many changes as the U.S. side, but anticipate three or four new players to start.
Both teams will play to win and not sit back, since a draw is pointless. That should make for an exciting, attack-minded match.
Expect U.S. speed to pay dividends in the final third, while Turkish technique will be a handful in its own attacking third against a depleted American defense.
This should be a wide-open match with both teams playing for national pride. The U.S. will have home soil, home fans in the stadium, and watch parties all over the country, while Türkiye will look to avoid complete embarrassment before a long flight back home.
