Match day 3 begins at the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Monday as the winner of Group A will be decided, and the knockout round qualifiers from Group B will be set. Our panelists offer up their predictions.
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt (Monday in Volgograd)
Steen Kirby: Saudi Arabia has been disappointing this tournament, while Egypt has unsurprisingly been lacking due to Mo Salah’s unhealthy shoulder. This game is purely for pride but Egypt has a better attack and should produce the goals they need to get a win. Egypt 2-1
Lukas Weese: These are two teams that are searching for their first point. Saudi Arabia has been dominated in their first two games, while Egypt has suffered heartbreaking defeats at the hands of Uruguay and Russia. Expect Mohamed Salah to come out playing for honour and country pride. I see Egypt earning three points, ending their short-lived World Cup tenure. Egypt 2-0
Uruguay vs Russia (Monday in Samara)
Steen: Both teams have qualified for the knockout rounds but the winner of this game will win the group. Uruguay has simply not impressed me this tournament while Russia is already firing on all cylinders. Given the home support and stars that are producing above their typical level, I’ll back Russia to get the win. Russia 1-0
Lukas: These two countries have already booked their ticket to the Knockout Stage. The only importance of this match is the winner of Group A will have an easier Round of 16 match. The interesting matchup will be how Uruguay striker Luis Suarez fares against the Russian defense of Sergey Iganshevich and Yuri Zhirkov. Ultimately, I believe the Uruguay offence will dictate possession and break through the Russian opposition to take control of this game. Uruguay 2-0
Iran vs Portugal (Monday in Saransk)
Steen: Team Melli fans are dreaming of an upset in this one, as Iran has acquitted themselves well through 2 games, holding Spain to a competitive contest and beating Morocco. That said, Portugal has the tournament’s best player in Cristiano Ronaldo and has scored all 4 of their goals off Ronaldo’s attacking talent. Iran hasn’t scored this tournament, and unless Sardar Azmoun and their attackers step up in a massive way, Portugal will get away with a narrow win by cracking the Iranian defense at least once. Portugal 1-0
Lukas: This is Monday’s most important game. If Portugal wins or draws, they advance to the knockout stage. If Iran pulls off a miracle and wins, they advance to the knockout stage. This game boils down to how well the Iranian defence limits Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. While Iran will try to implement their counterattack, Portugal will find a way to get a late goal to send their team to the Knockout stage. Portugal 1-0
Spain vs Morocco (Monday in Kaliningrad)
Steen: Morocco has been wasting chances this tournament, and accordingly they have been eliminated and sit on 0 points through 2 games. Spain simply needs something from this game to qualify, but I think they will produce enough with their pass heavy attack to end up with 3 points and perhaps end at the top of the group. Spain 4-0
Lukas: After a thrilling game that saw Spain win 1-0 over Iran, they will have a much easier contest against Morocco, who don’t have a point yet this World Cup. Up for grabs for Spain is a chance to win their group and go to the Round of 16. I expect Diego Costa, who already has three goals this World Cup, to have another big game. Spain will control possession early, implement their strong defensive positioning and ultimately be too good as they go on to advance to the Knockout stage. Spain 3-0
Main Photo:
