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
Portugal vs Uzbekistan Predictions – Group K (Match 5)
Portugal have a bit of work to do after dropping points against DR Congo in their opener, and this now feels like a must-win spot for Roberto Martinez’s side.
They had plenty of the ball last week, but nine shots is not exactly what you want from a side stacked with attacking talent. It was a flat result, especially after Portugal had built nicely with three straight friendly wins heading into the tournament.
Uzbekistan, meanwhile, were given a tough welcome to the World Cup in a 3-1 loss to Colombia. There was a nice moment when Abbosbek Fayzullaev found the equaliser in the 60th minute, but outside of that, they found it very tough to get anything going in the final third.
The big concern was the first half, where Uzbekistan failed to record a single touch inside Colombia’s penalty area. That spells trouble against a Portugal side featuring Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be desperate to respond after copping some heat for his performance last week.
Portugal should control this from the outset, and if they are a little sharper in front of goal, they can put this one away comfortably.
Prediction: Portugal (-2 Goals) @ $2.30
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $2.45
Player Prop: Cristiano Ronaldo to Have 3+ Shots on Target @ $1.85
England vs Ghana Predictions – Group L (Match 5)
Group L gets very interesting here after Ghana snatched all three points in their opening 1-0 win over Panama.
The Black Stars left it late, but Caleb Yirenkyi’s 94th minute winner was a huge moment. It was a composed counterattacking move, and it could prove massive in Ghana’s push to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 2010.
England, on the other hand, made a real statement in their 4-2 win over Croatia. Harry Kane bagged a double, Marcus Rashford added another late, and Thomas Tuchel’s side looked dangerous every time they went forward.
The numbers back it up as well. England had 20 shots inside the penalty area and still looked pretty solid defensively against a quality Croatia outfit.
We have been burned by England optimism before, but this does look like a very nice matchup for them. Ghana got the win last week, but they have now scored no more than one goal in each of their last eight matches dating back to October, and that could be a problem against a side with this much firepower.
England should have too much class in the final third.
Prediction: England to Win & Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.70
Value: Harry Kane First Goalscorer @ $3.10
Player Prop: Marcus Rashford Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.63
Panama vs Croatia Predictions – Group L (Match 6)
Neither Panama nor Croatia got the start they were after, but there was a pretty clear difference in how those defeats played out.
Panama went down 1-0 to Ghana in a game where they kept things reasonably tight, but offered very little going the other way. That lack of quality in the final third is a real worry here, especially in a game where they are likely to spend long periods chasing the ball.
Croatia, meanwhile, were beaten 4-2 by England, but it was not all bad. They still scored twice against a top-quality opponent and showed enough with the ball to suggest they can cause Panama plenty of problems.
The obvious concern is down back, and maybe just as importantly, where their heads are at after conceding four in the opener.
Croatia need to tidy things up quickly if they want to keep their tournament alive, but this looks like a much better spot for the Blazers to bounce back.
They should control possession, create the better chances, and if the defence can settle, they look the side most likely to get the job done.
Prediction: Croatia to Win @ $1.52
Value: Croatia to Win and Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.30
Player Prop: Andrej Kramaric Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.45
Colombia vs DR Congo Predictions – Group K (Match 6)
Colombia were impressive first up, taking care of Uzbekistan 3-1 in a performance that showedust how dangerous they can be once their attack starts to click.
Luis Diaz is still the obvious danger man with his pace, direct running, and ability to create something out of nothing. James Rodriguez also gives them that calm head and extra bit of class in the final third, which can be so important in games like this.
DR Congo deserve plenty of respect after grinding out a draw with Portugal. That is no small result, and it says plenty about their discipline, physicality, and ability to make life uncomfortable for more fancied opponents.
They have some quality of their own, too. Yoane Wissa is always dangerous in transition, Cedric Bakambu gives them a proper focal point up front, and Chancel Mbemba brings the experience and leadership you want at the back.
The question is whether DR Congo can back it up against another side with serious attacking weapons.
Colombia should see more of the ball and create the better chances, but DR Congo have already shown they will not be easy to break down.
This might not be a complete walkover, but Colombia look to have enough polish in the key moments.
Prediction: Colombia to Win & Under 4.5 Goals @ $1.70
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $2.30
Player Prop: Luis Diaz Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.50