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.
Round Of 32
Brazil vs Japan Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 2)
Brazil look to have found their groove at exactly the right time, rolling into the knockouts off the back of consecutive 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland.
That opening 1-1 draw with Morocco now feels like a lifetime ago for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but the new Brazil boss will know better than to take Japan lightly.
The Samurai Blue finished second in Group F with one win and two draws, and they’ll also take some belief from their 3-2 friendly win over Brazil last October.
That said, this is a very different assignment. Brazil fielded a heavily rotated side in that friendly, while Japan are still chasing their first ever knockout win at a World Cup.
Goals may also be harder to come by this time around, particularly after Japan struggled to control possession against Sweden.
Japan are more than capable of making this competitive, but Brazil look to be building nicely and should have enough class to get the job done.
Prediction: Brazil to Win & Under 3.5 Goals @ $2.25
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $2.00
Player Pick: Matheus Cunha Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.90
Germany vs Paraguay Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 3)
Germany enter the knockout stage as clear favourites against Paraguay, but there’s no doubt the market may have tightened after their shock 2-1 loss to Ecuador last Friday.
Paraguay arrived at the tournament with a bit of dark horse hype and have shown flashes, including a 1-0 win over Turkiye and a gritty scoreless draw with Australia.
Germany, meanwhile, have largely done what was expected against lesser opposition, thrashing Curacao 7-1 before edging past the Ivory Coast 2-1.
This feels like a great opportunity for Julian Nagelsmann’s side to respond and make a statement, although Paraguay are unlikely to roll out the red carpet.
Expect them to sit deep, stay compact, and try to frustrate Germany in a similar fashion to their approach against the Socceroos.
The difference is Germany’s quality in the final third. If they dominate possession and avoid the discipline issues that hurt them against Ecuador, they should be winning this with a bit to spare.
Prediction: Germany to Cover (-1 Goal) @ $1.85
Value: Over 3.5 Goals @ $3.70
Player Pick: Deniz Undav 2+ Shots on Target @ $1.62
Netherlands vs Morocco Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 4)
The Netherlands are warm favourites for Tuesday’s final Round of 32 clash, and that’s no major surprise after bouncing back from their opening draw with Japan to beat Tunisia and Sweden.
Morocco also came into the tournament with expectations of a deep run, and the Atlas Lions should be full of confidence after grinding out a 1-0 win over Scotland last week.
On paper, the Dutch appear to have more attacking weapons than the Scots, but Morocco have already shown they can hold their own against elite opposition.
Their draw with Brazil was built on a disciplined defensive display, particularly in the first half, where they gave the tournament heavyweights plenty to think about.
This shapes as a tight, tactical contest that could come down to discipline, tempo, and who can control the key moments.
Morocco look a big price as outsiders, but the safer play could be backing them at the line to keep this one close.
Prediction: Morocco to Cover (+1 Goal) @ $1.65
Value: Morocco to Win @ $2.60
Player Pick: Ismael Saibari Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.60