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 Cape Verde Prediction – Group H (Match 1)
Cape Verde make their World Cup debut in Atlanta on Tuesday, facing a daunting challenge against international heavyweight Spain.
While Spain haven’t lifted the trophy since their 2010 triumph, they come into this clash full of confidence after a convincing 3-1 win over Peru in a recent friendly, stretching their unbeaten streak to 10 matches.
Cape Verde have done well to reach the tournament, but the gap in experience and quality is likely to show here. Only one of their starters plays in Europe’s top five leagues, which makes this a huge challenge against a Spanish side stacked with talent across the pitch.
Belgium vs Egypt – Group G (Match 1)
Egypt are still chasing their first World Cup victory, and it’s difficult to see them securing all three points against a Belgian side ranked ninth in the world.
Belgium have been in strong form internationally over the past year, finishing top of their qualifying group with 18 points, while scoring 29 goals and conceding just seven.
However, Belgium have often found themselves in promising positions before only to fall short. They entered the 2022 World Cup with a similarly strong squad but failed to make the final, and their quarter-final exit at the Euros didn’t meet expectations.
Egypt have faced Belgium four times, claiming three unexpected wins. Given Belgium’s history of underperforming, a draw looks like a popular and reasonable option.
Iran vs New Zealand – Group G (Match 2)
New Zealand return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, opening their campaign against a higher-ranked Iranian side
The All Whites have had a tough run of form over the past year, including a heavy 4-0 loss to Haiti and a narrow 1-0 defeat to England in recent weeks.
Since qualifying, New Zealand have recorded just two wins, which contrasts with Iran, who have two World Cup victories to their name and come into this match on a three-game winning run
Iran will be without key players such as Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Mehdi Torabi due to injury. Even so, they still appear to have more quality than New Zealand in what shapes as a low-scoring contest in Iran’s favour.