Day 12 of the World Cup brings four important group-stage matches, with Argentina, France, Norway, and Algeria all looking to build momentum.
Argentina and France enter as clear favorites, Norway looks to keep its strong start going, and Algeria faces Jordan in a match where both teams need points.Argentina vs. Austria
Both teams proved they are capable of scoring goals. Both scored three goals in their opener, or should I say Austria scored three and Messi scored three.
The difference between the two results is that Austria conceded a goal against Jordan. That is important to know, as Argentina has allowed only one goal in its last five matches while scoring 15.
The spotlight is on Messi to break the all-time World Cup scoring record, along with the possibility of joining three other elite players to have scored two hat tricks in a single World Cup, a feat last accomplished in 1970 by German striker Gerd Müller.
Austria’s concern is Argentina’s complete offense. A draw would help both countries in the standings and improve their chances to qualify for the knockout Round of 32, but that is just not in the blood and nature of Argentina.
Expect Argentina to play like this is a World Cup semifinal, strategically focused on its tactical approach while adding speed and making sense of all the moments that require a change of pace.
Argentina brings world-class three- and four-player combinations with blind passing through gaps and channels, making them a legitimate contender to keep the Cup locked in a vault in Buenos Aires as back-to-back champions, at least until 2030.
Argentina does match up well with the German-style soccer that Austria plays. As the game goes on longer without a goal, that would favor Austria and become nerve-racking for the South Americans. But in the end, it should be Messi and the singing of the olés after today’s match.Pro Paul’s Pick: Argentina wins.
France vs. Iraq
Here comes Mbappé.
If Iraq goes down or opens up the spacing, Mbappé will find himself one-on-one on the flank in counterattack situations. Remember, Mbappé does not fear taking on two defenders in those moments.
France has given up a goal per game in its last five matches, but that came against high-ranked countries such as Senegal, Brazil, Colombia, Northern Ireland, and Ivory Coast. France conceded six goals in that stretch but doubled that output by scoring 12.
France will attack, attack, and attack again until the final whistle, because they want to make this a statement game to the world.
Iraq will bunker down defensively and look for counterattack opportunities. However, the masterful skill of Dembélé will present major issues because he has the ability to maneuver through the tightest spaces and, with eagle vision, find and set up teammates inside the box for chances on goal.
This is the all-important second group match, and France’s experience will be too difficult to keep off the scoreboard. I believe it will be the Les Bleus fans singing “Vive Les Bleus” in the streets of France after the match.Pro Paul’s Pick: France wins.
Norway vs. Senegal
Excitement is building not only on the field but also in the stands, as we can all anticipate hearing the echoes of the “Row, Row” cheer and the mighty roar coming from the Lions in the match between Norway and Senegal.
Senegal played well in its opener but could not stop Mbappé and company. Still, they did manage to score a goal that could make a huge difference in their hopes of advancing out of the group.
On the contrary, Norway is off to an excellent start, defeating Iraq with strength and power led by star striker Erling Haaland.
For Norway, the game against Senegal will be a much bigger challenge than its opener, especially after the Lions were tamed by the French for 90 minutes. Senegal’s hopes of breaking down Norway’s back four will rely on strikers Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson.
On the other side of the pitch, Senegal’s defense will do everything it can to minimize Martin Ødegaard’s touches on the ball and his time finding Brauten, a nickname given to Haaland in his home country for his power and strength.
This should be physical, fast, and intense, but Norway’s attack has the power to make the difference again.Pro Paul’s Pick: Norway wins.
Jordan vs. Algeria
Algeria has the edge since this is Jordan’s first World Cup, while Algeria is appearing in its fifth and is back on this stage after last appearing in 2014.
For both countries, this is a crucial match. One point will not satisfy either side, so expect the energy levels to be high and ambitions flying from the opening whistle.
Jordan and Algeria have only played against one another two times. The first meeting came back in 1988, when Jordan won 2-1, and the most recent was 22 years ago in 2004, when they drew 1-1.
There are two factors that make Jordan the underdog. First, they have issues in the back, allowing too many goals on capitalized mistakes. Second, they lost 3-1 to Austria, a team that did not have Messi going against them like Algeria had to deal with.
Regardless, this is going to be a thriller of a game. Algeria has the experience, edge, and urgency to get the result.
