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
Australia vs Egypt Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 14)
Australia have never been afraid of doing things the hard way, and they’ll likely need to roll the sleeves up again against a dangerous Egypt side on Saturday morning.
Tony Popovic’s men are at their best when they’re organised, physical, and hard to break down, so don’t expect the Socceroos to dominate the ball for long periods. Their best chances should come from set pieces aimed at Harry Souttar and Jackson Irvine, or quick breaks involving the pace and directness of Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato.
Egypt, on the other hand, have a little more polish where it matters. Mohamed Salah is obviously the big name if he’s fit and firing, but Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet also give the Pharaohs real threat in transition.
This has all the makings of a proper knockout grind. Australia will try to slow things down, win the physical battle, and stay in the contest deep into the second half, while Egypt will wait for space to open up and look to strike quickly.
As much as the patriotic play is tempting, Egypt look to have the edge in attacking quality.
Prediction: Egypt to Win & Under 2.5 Goals @ $3.90
Value: First Team to Score – Australia @ $2.30
Player Pick: Mostafa Ziko Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.60
Argentina vs Cape Verde Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 15)
Argentina enter this one as deserved favourites, and with Lionel Messi still pulling the strings alongside Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister, they should have no trouble controlling possession and dictating the tempo.
Cape Verde won’t be there just to make up the numbers, though. The Blue Sharks are likely to sit deep, stay compact, and try to frustrate Argentina before looking to break through the pace and power of Ryan Mendes and Garry Rodrigues.
The longer Cape Verde keep this tight, the more interesting it becomes, but Argentina’s class in the final third is hard to ignore.
Expect the world champions to wear them down eventually.
Prediction: Argentina to Win & Under 3.5 Goals @ $2.70
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $2.88
Player Pick: Lautaro Martinez Anytime Goalscorer @ $1.75
Colombia vs Ghana Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 16)
Colombia bring plenty of flair into this matchup, with Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez giving them creativity, width, and genuine quality in the final third.
Ghana will be no easybeats though, particularly if they can turn this into a transition-heavy contest. They’ve got enough pace and physicality to get in behind Colombia’s back four, and they won’t be shy about playing direct when the chance is there.
This could open up into one of the more entertaining games of the round if Ghana can drag Colombia into an end-to-end battle.
That said, Colombia look the more balanced of the two sides and should create the better chances over 90 minutes.
Prediction: Colombia to Win & Over 3.5 Goals @ $4.40
Value: Correct Score – Colombia 3-1 @ $14
Player Pick: Ernest Nuamah to Score or Assist @ $6.20