The FIFA World Cup 2018 kicks off on Thursday June 14 with the tournament’s first match. Hosts Russia will battle Saudi Arabia in Group A. The following day will see three matches take place with the second Group A match and both games from Group B.
ZCode System’s Scores Predictor gives followers the right tools for their World Cup 2018 selections. Let’s look at the predictions for Group A and B on June 14 and 15.
FIFA World Cup 2018
June 14
Group A : Russia vs. Saudi Arabia
Russia and Saudi Arabia come into this summer’s tournament as the two lowest ranked teams at the World Cup. The Russians’ build up to the tournament has been poor. The side has lost three of four friendlies.
Russia’s most recent game saw it draw 1-1 with Turkey. The Turks aren’t even playing in this summer’s World Cup.
Saudi Arabia has had mixed results in preparation for the tournament. After playing well under new manager Juan Antonio Pizzi, the team has lost two straight friendlies. Saudi Arabia’s team is mostly made up of players playing in the Saudi professional league and in the United Arab Emirates. The squad doesn’t have the talent to top the group. However, Saudi Arabia should win against a poor Russia team. The x-factor will be the Russian fans cheering on their team.
Winner: Saudi Arabia
June 15
Group A: Egypt vs. Uruguay
Egypt’s World Cup 2018 depends on the fitness of star player Mohamed Salah. The winger was injured playing for Liverpool in the Champions League final. All of the country’s hopes rest on Salah’s shoulders. If he isn’t fit to carry the load, Egypt will struggle in the group.
Uruguay is a talented squad with strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani capable of scoring mass amounts of goals. The Uruguayans got a fortunate draw in Group A. Oscar Tabarez’s side should have no trouble getting through the group as winners.
Winner: Uruguay
Group B: Portugal vs. Spain
Matchday 2 sees Iberian neighbors Portugal and Spain lock horns in Group B. Portugal is lead by Cristiano Ronaldo. It could be his last World Cup and the Real Madrid star will want to add the tournament’s trophy to his resume. Portugal won the Euro 2016 tournament two years ago. Now, the team must overachieve once more to win the World Cup.
Spain is considered one of the tournament’s favorites. The squad has a brilliant mix of old and new. No player will be more important than center-back Sergio Ramos. The defender is a big-time player and he was a part of Spain’s trilogy of trophy wins in 2008, 2010 and 2012. This fixture will be both team’s most difficult in the group.
Winner: Spain
Group B: Morocco vs. Iran
Morocco and Iran are expected to finish outside the top two in Group B. Morocco hasn’t been to the World Cup since 1998. The team has a good mix of talent that comes from soccer leagues from all over the world. However, Morocco’s striker corps is unproven at the World Cup level and it could be a lack of quality in attack that dooms them.
Iran is currently ranked 36th in the world. Nearly all of the squad play in the Middle East. The team does have highly talented and battle hardened manager Carlos Queiroz. Iran will push Morocco for all 90 minutes in this fixture and get the goal needed to win on matchday 1.
Winner: Iran
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