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
England vs Panama Predictions – Group L (Match 9)
It is top against bottom in Group L, and England will be keen to show that last week’s scoreless draw with Ghana was just a minor stumble.
Panama have had a tough old time of it, going down 1-0 to Ghana in their opener before losing by the same scoreline to Croatia last week. Injuries have not helped either, with Adalberto Carrasquilla and captain Anibal Godoy both missing, leaving them pretty thin in key areas.
England know this opponent well after putting six past them back in 2018, and while this is a different tournament, the matchup still looks pretty one-sided.
Panama have really struggled to find the net, and their defensive record on the World Cup stage does not make for great reading either. With Harry Kane leading the line and plenty of pace around him, this feels like a good chance for the Three Lions to make another statement.
Prediction: England to Cover (-2.5 Goals) @ $2.20
Value: England to Win & Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.25
Player Pick: Marcus Rashford 2+ Shots on Target @ $1.95
Croatia vs Ghana Predictions – Group L (Match 10)
There is plenty on the line here, with third spot in Group L still up for grabs and both sides needing a result for different reasons.
For Ghana, the job is pretty simple. Get at least a point, and they give themselves every chance. Croatia, meanwhile, need all three if they want to keep their tournament alive.
Ghana have been a seriously tough side to shift through two games, and last week’s scoreless draw with England was built on discipline, defensive shape, and plenty of hard work without the ball. They were smashed in possession, but they got the result they needed.
Croatia did steady with a 1-0 win over Panama, but there are still questions about their polish in the final third. Defensively, they looked much better after conceding four against England, but this has the feel of a slow, cagey game unless Croatia can land an early punch.
Prediction: Draw @ $3.35
Value: Ghana to Cover (+1 Goal) @ $2.00
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Predictions – Group K (Match 9)
DR Congo have been one of the harder teams to play against in this group, and they have made both Portugal and Colombia work for everything.
They held Portugal to a 1-1 draw, then went down 1-0 to Colombia in a game where they were still organised, physical, and very tough to break down.
Yoane Wissa gives them a real outlet in transition, while Cedric Bakambu offers that focal point up front when they can get bodies forward.
Uzbekistan are still chasing their first win and have not quite been able to put together a complete 90 minutes across their opening two games.
This looks like the sort of tight, grinding contest DR Congo are comfortable in, and they look the better chance to edge it.
Prediction: DR Congo to Win @ $1.75
Value: Draw @ $3.90
Player Pick: Cedric Bakambu Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.50
Portugal vs Colombia Predictions – Group K (Match 10)
Top spot in Group K is in focus, and this shapes as a really interesting matchup between two sides with plenty of class in the final third.
Colombia have looked sharp so far. Luis Diaz has been a handful out wide with his pace and direct running, while James Rodriguez continues to provide that calm head and creativity between the lines.
Portugal still have more than enough firepower to cause problems, even if they probably have not hit full stride just yet.
Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva can dictate the tempo, and Cristiano Ronaldo remains the obvious target in the box, even if he has copped a bit of criticism across the tournament so far.
Colombia may look a touch more settled at the moment, but Portugal’s quality ensures this should be a proper contest with chances at both ends.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score @ $1.91
Value: Colombia to Win @ $4.20
Player Pick: Luis Suarez Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.90
Argentina vs Jordan Predictions – Group J (Match 9)
Argentina have looked every bit a side capable of going very deep, and this looks like another chance for Lionel Scaloni’s men to keep the momentum rolling.
Lionel Messi has wound back the clock in a big way with five goals already, and when you add Julian Alvarez’s pressing and movement, plus Lautaro Martinez as another serious option in the final third, there are just too many ways for Argentina to hurt teams.
Jordan have competed hard and deserve credit for that, but they are likely to spend long periods chasing the ball here.
That is not exactly where you want to be against an Argentina side that can control tempo, wait for the opening, and then punish you in a flash.
If Argentina get on top early, this could be pretty comfortable.
Prediction: Argentina to Cover (-2 Goals) @ $2.45
Value: Correct Score – Argentina 3-0 @ $7.25
Player Pick: Jose Lopez Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.00
Algeria vs Austria Predictions – Group J (Match 10)
We finish Sunday in Kansas City, where second and third in Group J are still to be sorted.
Austria have handled themselves well in their first World Cup tournament in 28 years, opening with a 3-1 win over Jordan before running into the Argentina machine last week. Or, more specifically, the Lionel Messi show.
Algeria have shown some fight of their own, particularly last week when they came from an early 1-0 deficit against Jordan to win 2-1.
This is not the easiest game to get a strong read on, but there has been plenty to like from Austria. Marcel Sabitzer gives them drive and control in midfield, Christoph Baumgartner finds good spaces between the lines, and Marko Arnautovic remains a proper presence up front.
Both sides look capable of finding the net, but after Algeria had to dig deep last week, there is a fair question about whether they can back it up again.
Austria look the slight lean.
Prediction: Austria to Win @ $2.90
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $2.00
Player Pick: Marko Arnautovic Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.40