Day 17 brings the final stretch of group play, with several spots and seedings still on the line. Group L has turned into one of the most suspenseful groups of the tournament, while Colombia and Portugal battle for control of Group K. Argentina looks to finish strong, and Algeria and Austria face a matchup where both teams know exactly what is at stake.

Croatia vs. Ghana

Group L has turned out to be the most suspenseful and competitive of all the groups. Three of the four teams can still win the group, and all of them are close in goal differential.

Croatia has turned out to be a force to be reckoned with since being a 2018 World Cup finalist. With Luka Modrić still very much part of this team, he has become a special motivating factor for the entire squad.

The Ghana Black Stars have adopted more of a defensive tactical approach, and it has delivered results.

Since both teams can win the group, along with England, it will be interesting to see if a conservative approach is how both sides come out to play. A draw would make Ghana the runner-up and Croatia the third-place qualifier, if England ties or defeats Panama. Matchday 3 group games are played at the same time to prevent any advantages, which makes this match that much more suspenseful.

Ghana and Croatia have mutual respect and do not usually get overly physical on the pitch. The game will be intense and physically demanding, but it should remain clean for the most part, as both teams carry pride in their skill.

It is in Ghana’s best interest to defend well and not get exposed. This should be a relatively clear task since Croatia likes to control and slow the pace down with ball possession. For Ghana, they cannot get worn down or have a mental lapse in the final third while Croatia is on the ball, because Croatia will find those tight seams and look to capitalize.

Ghana can suddenly burst out with speed on the flanks and counter, which will keep the Croatian defense on alert. There will be chances for both sides, and once a goal drops, it will be interesting to see how each team responds. That could very easily be the moment of truth that determines the result.

Pro Paul’s Pick: Croatia wins.

England vs. Panama

England is currently in the driver’s seat as the Group L leader, but in no way can they be on cruise control. Both Ghana and Croatia have the chance to knock them off the throne, while Panama has performed well at times and realizes that a win against England would be historic for their country.

England did get off to a slow start but played much better against Croatia in their second group match. All indicators are pointing upward for England, and their confidence is soaring now that team chemistry has begun to click.

Harry Kane is a threat to any defense at any time of the match. He is a difference maker and is in top form. With eyes on Kane, that gives opportunities to Bellingham and Rashford, who are also in excellent form.

The English side has multiple players who are dangerous near the box, and when team ball movement and combination play are added, it would be amazing for Panama to keep England from scoring.

Yes, that sounds interesting, and as it should, but it is not impossible. Just ask Ghana how they pulled off a draw against a talented English side that could win the World Cup if it keeps improving each game.

Pro Paul’s Pick: England wins.

Colombia vs. Portugal

This game feels like an elimination match instead of a third group-stage game. It almost seems unfair that two world-class countries are clashing this early.

The crowd should be heavily in favor of Colombia, but everyone will also have their eyes on Cristiano Ronaldo, knowing that he loves pressure and shines in the spotlight. For Portugal, they can only hope their fans scream louder than ever while supporting them against a sea of yellow jerseys in a packed stadium.

Both teams are already through to the knockouts, but this game comes down to who will win the group. The runner-up is almost certain to face a very difficult Round of 32 opponent from Group L, which could be England, Croatia, or Ghana.

I am sure both of these teams would prefer avoiding one of those great teams in their next match. A draw or win secures the group for Colombia, while only a win helps Portugal take the top spot.

Pro Paul’s Pick: Portugal wins.

Uzbekistan vs. DR Congo

DR Congo will come out from the opening whistle looking to set the tone. A win, and only a win, helps their case to advance. Nothing less will be enough.

The White Wolves of Uzbekistan have shown they belong in the expanded 48-team World Cup field, but they have earned only one point in group play, allowed eight goals, and scored only one so far.

Congo’s speed and relentless attacking will come from the wingers and straight through the middle as well. They have talent that is so skillful they can slice and dice through defenders at will.

If Uzbekistan wants to go home with praise, then this is the best way to earn it: by tying or beating Congo.

It will not be easy, but it is possible, especially with Uzbekistan’s long-range, accurate, and powerful shooting ability. This game is subject to a floodgate of goals once it opens up.

Pro Paul’s Pick: DR Congo wins.

Algeria vs. Austria

This is going to be a good game, or potentially a snoring situation.

Tied on points at three each, the two teams are separated by only one goal in goal differential. A loss would eliminate a team from the Cup, while a win secures the runner-up spot. A draw favors both, with Austria taking the runner-up seed.

So why should either team risk going out to win, getting hurt, or taking the high risk of being punished on a counterattack?

This is the final game of all group play, and Algeria has an advantage because it knows a draw gets them through to the knockout Round of 32.

Austria cannot catch group leader and winner Argentina, so they would also be fine with a draw. It seems clear that both sides would be content with that result while avoiding the risk of yellow card accumulation, suspension, or injury.

It may just come down to a no-risk, low-intensity game where both sides take it easy and are happy to advance based on the standings as they are now. Maybe a player goes on to defy tactical orders and explore a solo heroic moment. If this plays out as suggested, it could become one of the most interesting post-match talking points of the World Cup.

Pro Paul’s Pick: Draw.

Argentina vs. Jordan

This game will feature Lionel Messi against the country of Jordan. The fans should get a blockbuster-like Messi performance.

Sure, he is capable of scoring goals and also collecting assists. Fans love it when he scores and equally enjoy his creativity in the passing game. He surprises everyone with blind passes that catch defenses off guard.

This is a perfect game to prepare Argentina for the Round of 32 elimination match against Cape Verde. The Argentines must play their game as if it were their last.

Far too often, top-level teams fall into the trap of playing down to their opponent’s level and pace. Games like this can get emotional and become costly for players.

The difference for this game is trying not to get out of control. Jordan knows it is playing against Messi, and that respect goes deeper than deep for him.

At some point in this tournament, expect Messi to have an amazing run with the ball, beating and juking out players, leaving us with an incredible moment to remember. But do not expect it in this game, since there is too much on the line to risk a knock, bruise, or avoidable contact.

Pro Paul’s Pick: Argentina wins.

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