The World Cup is finally here, and the neds blog is your ultimate destination for daily tips on all the biggest matches. From the opening group stage clashes to the drama of the knockout rounds and all the way to the final showdown, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Expect expert insight, informed predictions, and a few bold calls along the journey. Be sure to check in each day to see who our football expert is tipping to come out on top and stay one step ahead throughout the tournament.
Group Stage
Curacao vs Ivory Coast Predictions – Group E (Match 9)
Ivory Coast have done enough across their first two games to suggest they should have the edge in this one.
They opened with a really professional 1-0 win over Ecuador, before going down 2-1 to Germany in a game where they were far from disgraced. There has been plenty to like in the way they have set up, looking organised without the ball, physical in the contest, and dangerous when they can get into space.
With pace out wide and enough quality through the middle, this feels like a matchup they should be able to control. The next step is turning those promising patches into a full 90-minute performance, and this looks a nice spot for them to bounce back and keep their tournament hopes alive.
Prediction: Ivory Coast to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.60
Value: Ivory Coast to Cover (-2.5 Goals) @ $2.20
Player Pick: Franck Kessie Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.30
Ecuador vs Germany Predictions – Group E (Match 10)
The pressure is well and truly on Ecuador heading into this crucial Group E clash.
La Tricolor were talked up as a potential World Cup smokie before the tournament, but things have not gone to plan. A shock 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast was followed by a pretty flat scoreless draw with Curacao, and they now find themselves needing a big response.
Germany, meanwhile, have shown both sides of their game. Their 7-1 demolition of Curacao was a serious statement, but there were a few defensive concerns last week when Julian Nagelsmann’s side had to come from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1.
Still, the Germans are in control at the top of the group and should be looking to tighten things up here. Against an Ecuador attack that has offered very little so far, this shapes as a fairly controlled Germany win.
Prediction: Germany to Win & Under 3.5 Goals @ $2.60
Value: Germany to Win to Nil @ $3.00
Player Pick: Kai Havertz Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.40
Japan vs Sweden Predictions – Group F (Match 9)
This looks the clear game of the day, with second spot in Group F right there for the taking.
Japan were outstanding last weekend, becoming the first Asian side to score four goals in a World Cup game when they put Tunisia away 4-0. Sweden, on the other hand, are looking to pick themselves up after copping a 5-1 reality check against the Netherlands.
For the Samurai Blue, there is even a chance to top the group if they can pile on enough goals, and the confidence should be sky-high with Japan now riding a nine-game unbeaten run.
Sweden looked sharp enough when they dealt with Tunisia in their opener, but this is a different kind of test. They have some defensive questions to answer, and there could be a few changes at the back after last week’s heavy defeat.
Japan look the safer play here. They are organised, in form, and dangerous enough in the final third to build on what they produced on Matchday 2.
Prediction: Japan to Win @ $1.85
Value: Japan to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.63
Player Pick: Daichi Kamada Anytime Goalscorer @ $5
Turkiye vs USA Predictions – Group D (Match 9)
Already eliminated, Turkiye have been one of the big disappointments of the tournament, and things do not get any easier here against a red-hot USA side in Los Angeles.
The Americans were clinical and a little scary in the first half against Australia last Saturday, using their pace out wide to put the Socceroos under pressure right from the jump.
Whether Australia improved after the break or the USA simply took the foot off the pedal is up for debate, but either way, this is a huge ask for a Turkiye side that is still yet to score at the tournament.
The potential return of Christian Pulisic only adds another layer to the USA attack, and given how composed they have looked in possession across their first two games, this could be a long afternoon for the visitors.
Prediction: USA to Win @ $1.95
Value: USA to Cover (-1 Goal) @ $3.30
Player Pick: Giovanni Reyna Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.40
Paraguay vs Australia Predictions – Group D (Match 10)
Last Saturday’s flat showing against the USA has left Socceroos fans a little nervous heading into this crucial clash with Paraguay.
Australia just never really got going in the first half against the Americans. They lacked speed in wide areas, struggled to find any rhythm on the ball, and looked rattled in a tough environment.
The ill-discipline and Tony Popovic’s team changes were the big talking points afterwards, but after showing plenty of promise in the opener against Turkiye, there is reason to believe the Aussies can steady the ship.
Paraguay have just as much to play for, with second spot in Group D still there to be decided.
Funnily enough, they are built in a pretty similar mould to the Socceroos. Gritty, physical, defensive-first, and happy to let the opposition have the ball before trying to break quickly in transition.
How that plays out between two similar sides remains to be seen, but with so much on the line, both teams should get their chances.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score @ $2.10
Value: Australia to Win @ $3.90
Player Pick: Nestory Irankunda Anytime Goalscorer @ $4.00