Day 13 of the World Cup brings another high-stakes slate as we conclude the second round of the group stage.
Portugal and England look to prove why they are considered serious Cup contenders, Colombia can take a major step toward the knockout round, and Panama and Croatia face a match where both teams badly need a result.Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
There are some very curious questions in Portugal’s camp.
Can 41-year-old superstar Cristiano Ronaldo prove to the world that he is not too old by netting a goal or two? And probably more importantly, how is the health of Portugal’s center backs, Rúben Dias, who plays for EPL side Manchester City, and Tomás Araújo, who anchors the defense with Benfica?
Recent reports come with both good and bad news. The bad news is that Tomás Araújo has been ruled out, and the good news is that Rúben Dias is fit and projected to start. This still does not answer the wave of criticism surrounding Ronaldo about his fitness and form.
That criticism could work in Portugal’s favor, but only if his teammates embrace him. That can act as another mechanism for the team to come together as a tight unit.
Uzbekistan cannot be taken lightly, and they realize the importance of this second group-stage match. Although the World Cup newcomers lost 3-1 to Colombia, they are well coached by former experienced World Cup player Fabio Cannavaro, who will look to prepare the resilient White Wolves from Central Asia.
Portugal should dominate possession, which will force Uzbekistan into a tactical low-block defense. This may reduce space, but it will not stop the Portuguese from trying to isolate their wingers in one-on-one situations on the outside with superb side-to-side ball movement.
Bruno Fernandes’ superb ball-handling skills and silky passing through the seams will eventually break down the Uzbekistan White Wolves’ defensive line and create scoring chances.Pro Paul’s Pick: Portugal wins.
England vs. Ghana
This is going to be a stellar game for Matchday 2 play from Group L and a huge opportunity for England to show the world why they are considered a top favorite to win the Cup.
England has a solid defense, talent to control the midfield, and players with attacking pace who can shred any team apart.
The Black Stars of Ghana somehow survived the pressure from Panama’s strong offense and were able to slot one home late to come out on top, 1-0. This will not be the case against England’s class players like Kane, Bellingham, Saka, and Rashford.
Harry Kane must be kept under full watch and control if the Black Stars want a chance to win this game. The only problem is that no team has really been able to do that yet, especially with Kane in top, top form and on a goal-scoring spree.
His off-ball movement, aerial heading strength, and clinical finishing are just way too much for Ghana to handle. England will be on and in full force to get an early goal, which would be Ghana’s doom.Pro Paul’s Pick: England wins and over 2.5 total goals.
Panama vs. Croatia
Everything is at stake in this highly intense and anticipated clash between two countries suffering devastating losses in their openers.
Croatia was easily handled by England’s Three Lions, while Panama’s heart was crushed in added time by Ghana, who struggled all game to mount a proper attack.
Both teams need to win. Both teams have the talent that deserves to go to the knockout rounds. Both teams are well coached and have a lot of experience.
This game is about determination, guts, drive, and fitness, but anticipate that it will be decided by mistakes or free kicks. A draw keeps both teams alive, but that would only make their next game a must-win situation. Panama would need to take down England, and Croatia would need to beat Ghana.
All is possible in what looks to be the toughest group so far in the tournament.Pro Paul’s Pick: Draw.
Colombia vs. DR Congo
DR Congo is a legit opponent and proved that with a solid performance and a draw against heavily favored Portugal in Group K.
This will not be an easy game for James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and the Colombia side, but they know that a win puts them into the knockout Round of 32 before facing Portugal in their third group match.
This game will showcase several highly skilled players. That skill level promotes creativity and delivers special moments. There could be a dazzling goal by Congo’s star striker Yoane Wissa or by Colombia’s Luis Díaz that gets the job done.
The loyal and loud Mexico crowds understand the game well, and fans should expect a blockbuster match between two teams willing to leave it all on the pitch for their country.
Colombia has the chemistry, talent, and attacking quality to get the result, but DR Congo has already shown they are not here just to participate.
