Watched the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2018? Excited by all the goals and have resolved to watch every single match now? If so, don’t read any further, and enjoy your Tunisia vs Panama!
But if you were a shade disappointed by the pace of the game or were contemplating skipping the group stages, do read on.
Here are six out of the first 48 group matches that are unlikely to disappoint you.
(For complete FIFA World Cup 2018 coverage, click here to visit our special WC page)
Egypt vs Uruguay
15 June, 17:30 IST
Key Battle: Salah vs Godin
In the best match of an otherwise dull Group A, Mo Salah’s eagerly awaited fitness will play an important factor. The Liverpool man dislocated his shoulder in the Champions League final and has had a race against time to be fit.
Uruguay look like the much better rounded outfit, with Atletico pair Gimenez and Godin at central-defence, Sampdoria engine Lucas Torreira in midfield and a world class strike partnership of Suarez and Cavani. But we have seen Salah drag Egypt through qualifying and should Mohamed fire again, along with a steely performance from his defence, be in no shock if there is a surprise win from Egypt.
For complete FIFA World Cup 2018 coverage, click here to visit our special WC page.
Portugal vs Spain
15 June, 23:30 IST
Key Battle: Ronaldo vs Ramos
One of the most exciting matches of group stages will see the Euro 2016 winners take on the 2010 World Cup champions. Not only do Portugal have a young and exciting team in Pereira, Ronaldo and Joao Mario, they also have good team chemistry. However, they will have to slog hard to beat a Spanish team consisting of Isco, Ramos and David de Gea. It will be a tight game with Spain’s midfield of Iniesta and Silva likely to overpower Portugals’.
Portugal also seem to have plenty of options compared to Spain. From this game, one can expect goals, fouls and loads of drama with Cristiano, Ramos and Busquets on the pitch.
Germany vs Mexico
17 June, 20:30 IST
Key Battle: Lozano vs Kimmich
Germany will begin their title defence against their most tough competitor at the group stage, Mexico. North America’s only entry at this World Cup, Mexico will be exciting side this year – with Ochoa hoping to repeat his heroics between the sticks at 2014, Marquez playing his fifth and last World Cup, Captain Guardado racing to be fit, and Hirving Lozano hoping to lessen the load on Chicharito and securing a big money move this summer.
However, they may find it hard to break down teams as they might find against Germany’s centre back pairing of Hummels and Boateng.
The onslaught of attack from Germany will be no less, with Ozil, Muller and Werner surely to be among the goals ahead of a calm central midfield of Kroos and Kheidera.
Poland vs Senegal
19 June, 17:30 IST
Key Battle: Lewandowski vs Koulibaly
Poland face Senegal in the second match of the exciting Group H. Poland might rely on Bayern superstar Lewandowski for the goals, but they are pretty well distributed all over the pitch.
Piszczek and Gilik will make for a strong defence, Linetty will handle the midfield an they also boast of two strong goalkeeping options in Szczesny and Fabianski. Senegal will be lead by Napoli rock Koulibaly at the back, followed by a strong holding midfield in Gueye and N’Diaye. They will be led in attack by Sadio Mane who had an excellent season at Liverpool along with young Monaco winger Keita Balde.
Argentina vs Croatia
21 June, 23:30 IST
Key Battle: Messi vs Modric
Argentina and Croatia are more similar than you’d expect. They both don’t have good goalkeepers, lack real defensive stability and have able forward options.
Okay, maybe Argentina is better up front but lack the midfield power Croatia have in Modric, Rakitic and Kovacic.
Also, while Argentina will be looking to banish the ghosts of 2014, Croatia have no real expectations to live up to and may be the underdogs in their group. It is still to be seen how Lovren handles Messi, but expect a good fight from the Croatians. Argentina will be aware of Croatia’s strengths and will be looking to nullify it with their own as Messi and Di Maria look to exploit Croatia on the wings and will hope Aguero bombs through the centre.
England vs Belgium
28 June, 23:30 IST
Key Battle: Kane vs Alderweireld
The second-most exciting group stage match for me, will see many Premier League heavyweights, not to mention friends take each other on. Alderweireld will try and stop Spurs teammate Kane from scoring, Sterling will try to get past his Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany and Eric Dier will rival Tottenham teammate Dembele in the midfield.
While Belgium look stronger on paper, with the likes of Hazard and Courtois in their ranks, they have failed to show up in big matches and will look to try and change their record in Russia. England on the other hand, under Gareth Southgate look more prepared than ever and will look to try and turn their team cohesion into results.
(The author is a school student who follows football, when he’s not finishing his homework. On a side note, he also answers to the name ‘Pele’ after his mother nicknamed him that for troubling her a bit much from the womb.)
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