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
France vs Norway Predictions – Group I (Match 9)
One of the clear standouts on the card with both Norway and France unbeaten and looking every bit like knockout-stage sides.
Norway have started in good order, following up their opening win over Iraq with a lively 3-2 victory over Senegal last week. Erling Haaland has already stamped himself on the tournament, and with Martin Odegaard creating from midfield, this is a Norway attack capable of giving anyone a headache.
France, though, have looked every bit the contender. Les Bleus put Senegal away 3-1 before handling Iraq 3-0, and they have barely had to get out of third gear at times. Kylian Mbappe is still the main man, but with Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram offering support, there are threats everywhere.
Norway can definitely make this interesting, particularly with Haaland lurking, but France look the more balanced side across the park.
Prediction: France to Cover (-1 Goal) @ $2.60
Value: Over 3.5 Goals
Player Pick: Kylian Mbappe Anytime Goalscorer @ $1.87
Senegal vs Iraq Predictions – Group I (Match 10)
Both teams are still searching for their first win, so there should be a bit more urgency about this one.
Senegal have had their moments, especially when Sadio Mane is driving at defenders and Ismaila Sarr is stretching things out wide, but they just have not been able to put a full performance together yet.
Iraq have shown the odd flash going forward, with Aymen Hussein still their main man in the box, but they have been far too easy to open up down the other end.
On talent, Senegal have the edge. If they can clean things up in the final third and take their chances, this looks a very good spot for them to finally get moving.
Prediction: Senegal to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.70
Value: Correct Score – Senegal 3-0 @ $7.75
Player Pick: Lamine Camara 2+ Shots @ $2.20
Spain vs Uruguay Predictions – Group H (Match 9)
Spain look like they are starting to find their rhythm after a frustrating draw with Cape Verde to open the tournament.
They were much sharper last time out, putting Saudi Arabia away 4-0 in a performance that showed what can happen when their passing game gets going. Pedri gives them control in midfield, while Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal bring plenty of pace, width, and creativity.
Uruguay have been solid enough with two draws, but solid might not be enough here. Federico Valverde can drive them forward from midfield and Darwin Nunez gives them a genuine threat up top, but they may need a little more polish in the final third.
Spain looked to click into gear last week, and if they bring that same tempo, they should be too sharp again.
Prediction: Spain to Win & Over 3.5 Goals @ $4.20
Value: Correct Score – Spain 4-2 @ $41
Player Pick: Mikel Oyarzabal Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.10
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia Predictions – Group H (Match 10)
Cape Verde have been a really interesting watch so far, and there is plenty to like about the way they have gone about it.
They were disciplined and organised in their draw with Spain, and then backed that up with another competitive performance. They are happy to sit in, stay compact, and wait for the right moment to break.
Saudi Arabia need to show something after being brushed aside 4-0 by Spain, and confidence could be a real issue.
This has the feel of a tight, low-scoring game, with Cape Verde’s structure making life awkward for long stretches.
Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals @ $1.72
Value: Cape Verde to Win @ $2.60
Player Pick: Helio Varela Anytime Goalscorer @ $4.60
Belgium vs New Zealand Predictions – Group G (Match 9)
Belgium still have not really got going after opening with a draw against Egypt and then playing out a scoreless draw with Iran last week.
Nathan Ngoy’s red card in the 67th minute did not help, but there is still a bit of pressure building on this Belgian attack. Kevin De Bruyne looked a little sharper and got a couple of shots away, while Romelu Lukaku will be keen to respond after being subbed off in the 72nd minute with a yellow card beside his name.
New Zealand, meanwhile, were brought back to earth in a 3-1 loss to Egypt. Mohamed Salah caused them all sorts of problems, and the All Whites did themselves no favours either, giving away 14 fouls.
This is not the easiest game to read with Belgium still chasing their best football, but they clearly have New Zealand covered for class. The Kiwis will bring the physical edge, but sustaining that for 90 minutes against Belgium’s quality is a big ask.
Prediction: Belgium to Win to Nil @ $1.80
Value: Belgium to Win & Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.20
Player Pick: Romelu Lukaku to Score 2 or More Goals @ $3.50
Egypt vs Iran Predictions – Group G (Match 10)
Egypt should take plenty of confidence from last week’s 3-1 win over New Zealand.
That was a much cleaner performance than their opening draw with Belgium. They moved the ball with more purpose, found better spaces in the final third, and looked much more dangerous once Mohamed Salah started getting involved in the right areas.
Iran will not make this easy. They are organised, physical, and more than happy to turn games into stop-start contests where rhythm is hard to find.
Even so, Egypt look to have found a bit of belief. If they can bring the same tempo and composure they showed against New Zealand, they look well placed to grab another result.
Prediction: Egypt to Win @ $2.35
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $2.10
Player Pick: Mo Salah to Have 2+ Shots on Target @ $2.95