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.
Spain vs Austria Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 11)
Spain enter Thursday’s knockout clash in Los Angeles with favouritism firmly on their side after topping Group H and keeping things seriously tidy at the back.
La Roja made it through the Group Stage without conceding, pairing a 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia with more measured results against Cape Verde and Uruguay.
Austria, meanwhile, have taken the scenic route to the knockouts. Ralf Rangnick’s men punched their ticket after a chaotic 3-3 draw with Algeria, showing plenty of ticker but also leaving a few defensive gaps that Spain will be keen to exploit.
The Austrians are physical, organised, and capable of making life awkward if they can break up Spain’s rhythm early. Expect them to sit in, stay compact, and look for their moments from set pieces or on the counter.
That said, Spain’s midfield control and composure in the final third should be the difference. With Rodri dictating terms, Pedri and Dani Olmo drifting into dangerous areas, and Lamine Yamal offering width and spark, La Roja look well placed to grind out another professional result.
Austria can make them work for it, but Spain’s class and clean defensive record are hard to knock.
Prediction: Spain to Win & Under 3.5 Goals @ $1.95
Value: Spain to Win to Nil @ $1.95
Player Pick: Mikel Oyarzabal Anytime Goalscorer @ $1.91
Portugal vs Croatia Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 12)
Portugal move into the knockouts unbeaten, although their Group Stage campaign was hardly all smooth sailing.
Roberto Martinez’s side finished second in Group K after two draws and a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, and while the talent is obvious, there’s still a feeling this side has another level to reach.
Croatia come in with some momentum after bouncing back from a 4-2 defeat to England with wins over Panama and Ghana. That is pretty standard tournament Croatia, really — hang around, find a way, and make themselves a nightmare to put away.
With Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic still capable of slowing the game down and controlling the middle, Croatia are more than capable of making this uncomfortable. They’ve also scored in every Group Stage game, so Portugal’s backline won’t get a quiet night.
The worry is whether Croatia can deal with Portugal’s attacking depth for the full 90 minutes. Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão, Vitinha, and Cristiano Ronaldo all have the quality to hurt you if given time and space.
Portugal have also had the wood over Croatia historically, losing just one of their last 10 meetings across all competitions. Even so, Croatia look live enough to keep this close and potentially land a punch along the way.
Prediction: Croatia to Cover +1 Goal @ $2.05
Value: Croatia to Lead at Anytime @ $2.50
Player Pick: Rafael Leão Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.30
Switzerland vs Algeria Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 13)
Switzerland head into the knockouts looking like one of the more reliable sides in this part of the draw.
The Swiss were composed through the Group Stage, controlling games nicely through midfield and showing their usual knack for punishing mistakes when chances presented.
Algeria won’t be lacking belief, though. They’ve shown enough going forward to suggest they can cause Switzerland some problems, particularly if they’re allowed to break quickly into space.
The challenge for Algeria is staying switched on for 90 minutes against a side that doesn’t tend to beat itself. Switzerland are rarely flashy, but they are organised, disciplined, and difficult to pull apart.
This has the feel of a tight tactical contest, but Switzerland’s tournament experience and cleaner defensive shape give them the slight edge.
Prediction: Switzerland to Win & Under 3.5 Goals @ $2.60
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $1.91
Player Pick: Breel Embolo 2+ Shots on Target @ $2.25