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
Spain vs Saudi Arabia Predictions – Group H (Match 5)
Spain roll into Atlanta with a point to prove after being held scoreless by Cape Verde in their opener.
They completely dominated that game across the board but just could not find a way past a veteran keeper when it counted. For a side of this quality, you would expect that to correct pretty quickly.
Saudi Arabia also picked up a point in a hard fought 1 1 draw with Uruguay, striking early before eventually being pegged back late. In truth, they were under the pump for most of the match, facing heavy pressure and a big shot count.
History leans heavily Spain’s way, including a 5-0 win in 2012 and a 1-0 result at the 2006 World Cup.
Spain should control this again and eventually find their goals, but their defensive record suggests this may not blow out.
Belgium vs Iran Predictions – Group G (Match 5)
Belgium were left frustrated in their opener, held to a draw by Egypt despite controlling large stretches of the match.
Kevin De Bruyne was heavily involved, while Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku looked dangerous without quite delivering the finishing touch.
Iran also picked up a draw, grinding out a result against New Zealand with a typically disciplined defensive setup, although chances were few and far between.
This sets up as a classic clash of styles. Belgium with the ball and all the attacking weapons, Iran sitting deep and looking to counter through Mehdi Taremi.
If Belgium tidy things up in front of goal, they should be able to break through.
Uruguay vs Cape Verde Predictions – Group H (Match 6)
Uruguay will feel like they left points on the table against Saudi Arabia, dominating possession but lacking the finishing edge to get the job done.
Darwin Nunez and Federico Valverde were heavily involved, and the chances were there, just not taken.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, were one of the big surprise packets early, holding Spain to a draw with a disciplined and compact defensive effort. They did not offer much going forward, but they did not need to.
This shapes as a similar script. Uruguay controlling the ball, Cape Verde sitting deep and trying to frustrate.
The difference should come down to quality, and Uruguay have more than enough of it.
New Zealand vs Egypt Predictions – Group G (Match 6)
New Zealand impressed in their opener, holding Iran to a draw with a performance built on structure, energy and a willingness to compete.
They showed more going forward than expected and will take confidence into this one.
Egypt also shared the points with Belgium and looked sharp in patches, with Mohamed Salah leading the charge and causing problems every time he got on the ball.
This is another clash of styles. New Zealand likely to sit deep and stay organised, Egypt with the quality to control the game and create chances.
If the All Whites can hang around early, they are a chance to sneak onto the scoresheet, but Egypt’s class in attack should shine through.