There are three World Cup round of 32 clashes on Tuesday, June 30th, including a direct clash between European sides with France vs Sweden. We offer previews and predictions for every match of the round of 32.
Ivory Coast vs Norway (Tuesday June 30th in Dallas)
Both of these “dark horse” teams won two games in the group stage and lost the third. Norway is fully rested however, as Erling Haaland his usual XI mates were rested against France, a strategic choice by Stale Solbakken. Played indoors in Dallas, Norway’s attack will look to gain the upper hand against a fierce Ivory Coast defence. Ivory Coast have played well in all their matches, and this has been a tremendous World Cup for CAF as all but one of their qualified nations reached the last 32.
The focal point for the Ivorian attack is Yan Diomande, he shoulders a burden as heavy as Haaland to score goals for his country. He shares that burden with Nicolas Pepe, the veteran striker. The possible absence of Wilfried Singo in the Ivorian backline is also a concern. Norway is deciding whether Dortmund’s Julian Ryserson is fit enough to start after a hamstring injury.
Played indoors, Norway’s attack should be fit and firing, and I’m not sure Ivory Coast can counter enough to slow them down.
Prediction: Norway 3-2
France vs Sweden (Tuesday June 30th in New York/New Jersey)
Sweden are massive underdogs for this game in New York. France rolled through the group stages with 3 wins from 3, and are most pundits favorite or co-favorite to win the tournament. Sweden showed a capable attack with Viktor Gyokeres, Anthony Elanga, and Alexander Isak, but the defence is poor, as evidenced by their heavy loss to the Netherlands. Facing a French attack that has so many ways to score, they could fall behind and not be able to catch up.
France is not known to be super aggressive pressing off the ball but Sweden with a 1-1-1 record are likely not the team to threaten them. The only injuries of note, William Saliba is battling to be fit in time for France, while Isak Hien should be out or Sweden, meaning Victor Lindelof has an enhanced role.
Prediction: France 4-1
Mexico vs Ecuador (Tuesday June 30th in Mexico City)
By contrast of the free-flowing attacks shown by Norway and France, Mexico vs Ecuador will be a physical battle of attrition played at altitude in Mexico City. Home field advantage favors Mexico, who were perfect in the group stage and are starting to believe in the World Cup dream.
Ecuador arrives with all the momentum in the world, the memories of two consecutive bad performances in the group stage erased by a confident 2-1 comeback win against Germany to secure this matchup. These teams are familiar with each other, Ecuador has multiple players including Enner Valencia and Pedro Vite who play in Liga MX. Ecuador has played three games as effectively the home team, against Mexico at Estadio Azteca, it will be a hostile atmosphere, testing the mettle of Moises Caicedo and company.
Mexico’s attack is led by Julian Quinones, while Johan Vasquez has anchored the backline. You can read more about the expected lineups here, but it may depend on substitutes like Gilberto Mora to unlock a stagnant game. Ecuador will play to get this to penalties, if they don’t score early and have a lead to defend. Mexico trusts their defence enough to venture forward and see if they can find any weaknesses in the La Tri backline. I’m not sure there’s more than a single goal from open play in this game, and home field advantage ultimately tilts it in favor of Mexico, they feel primed to thrive, and Ecuador’s poor performances in the first two games can’t be ignored.
Prediction: Mexico 1-0
