The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

World Cup tips and predictions: Day 7

19th June, 2018
Advertisement
Spain's David Silva is a key player for La Roja. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Expert
19th June, 2018
10
1148 Reads

The end of the first week of competition sees the second round of matches begin and Group B takes centre stage.

Portugal meet Morocco in the early game, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s team needing three points or else. Without a win tonight, they could be facing a difficult third game against Iran in order to qualify for the round of 16.

Uruguay play Saudi Arabia in a Group A fixture, with the Saudis looking for considerable improvement on their first appearance one week ago. The late game sees the group topping Iran take on the might of Spain.

Tipping has proven a nightmare over the course of the first week and Daniel Jeffrey has battled his way to a slender lead. Thankfully, there was a little more logic in the results of the night just passed but who knows what is yet to unfold in this World Cup.

Be sure to remember to insert your tips into the form below; having your say as the voice of the crowd and challenging the panel for tipping glory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Stuart Thomas

Portugal, Uruguay, Spain

If Cristiano Ronaldo does a number on the Moroccans in this game, he might be well on his way to a golden boot. Portugal should get the win, yet Morocco will play with spirit, knowing that this could well be their last hurrah in Russia.

Advertisement

Putting it bluntly, Uruguay will belt Saudi Arabia; already damaged after their early loss to Russia, the Saudis will be no match for the South Americans, who look to have a favourable draw.

As much as I would love to see Iran topple Spain, it is unlikely. Although, the unlikely in this tournament has been commonplace thus far. Still, Spain it is for me.

Mike Tuckerman

Portugal, Uruguay, Spain

I can’t see anyone but the favourites winning tonight. Portugal rely heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo, understandably so, but they’ve got a fair bit of quality all over the park. They should prove too strong for a Morocco side demoralised by their narrow first-up defeat to Iran.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo takes a shot at goal.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo takes a shot at goal. (KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP/Getty Images)

Uruguay could run riot against Saudi Arabia. The South Americans looked patchy at best in their opening win over Egypt, but the likes of Edinson Cavani and co. could be just warming up for the Saudis. For the sake of Asian football, let’s hope this one doesn’t turn into a bloodbath.

Advertisement

Iran flattered to deceive against Morocco, while Spain opened their campaign with a draw against Portugal. The Spanish will look at their next two fixtures as eminently winnable, but they’ll need to be on guard against the counter-attacking Iranians.

This might be closer than expected, but Spain should take all three points.

Daniel Jeffrey

Portugal, Uruguay, Spain

These will be the most famous of last words, but today seems to be a straightforward day of tipping. Cue three wrong tips…

Portugal obviously have an incredible reliance on the class of Cristiano Ronaldo, but why shouldn’t they make full use of one of the world’s finest player’s talents?

Even without him in the line-up, Portugal would go into this one as favourites. Their performance against Spain, particularly on the counter-attack, was good. With him fresh off one of the finest individual performances at a World Cup in recent memory, they’re pretty much unbackable.

Advertisement

Uruguay’s profligacy in front of goal cost them a more comfortable win against Egypt, so expect them to make a statement against Saudi Arabia, who were downright dreadful in their tournament opener. A hat-trick for one of Edinson Cavani or Luis Suarez is probably a decent bet.

In the early stages of their first match of the tournament, Spain looked an awful lot like a side who had lost their coach about 48 hours earlier. Funny, that. That funk didn’t last long against Portugal, and it won’t be present against Iran, against whom La Roja could well run up a bit of a cricket score.

Tim Palmer

Portugal, Uruguay, Spain

Portugal were excellent on the counter against Spain but will have to take more initiative against a defensive Morocco team. I still don’t think Portugal will go far but they have enough to hold off the African side.

Saudi Arabia, to their credit, tried to attack against Russia but were just not very good at it. I expect them to go defensive to save face, but Uruguay will get another late winner.

Iran very nearly frustrated Argentina four years ago, and the same template got the slightly fortunate win over Morocco. In a tournament where big teams are slipping up, I can see this being an initial struggle but ultimately a comfortable result for Spain.

Advertisement

Paul Nicholls

Portugal, Uruguay, Spain

It is a sound strategy to keep the editor happy which is why I have let Daniel take a bit of a lead in the tipping. Ego stroked, now it’s time to bring him down a notch.

Portugal shouldn’t have much trouble overcoming a hot and cold Morocco. Perhaps Portugal’s biggest problem is an over-reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo but, while he is fit and playing well, Portugal may as well cash in. Expect CR7 to add to his tally as Portugal win by two goals.

Uruguay were patchy in their first-round win over Egypt. If Cavani and Suarez can work together – which is a big if considering their respective egos – then Uruguay might just come good.

Uruguay's Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring against Bolivia.

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez could be in for a big day. (MIGUEL ROJO/AFP/Getty Images)

There were signs towards the end that these two were working together and they may yet have a bearing on this World Cup. The Saudis looked ordinary against Russia and, while they might improve, I expect Uruguay to win comfortably.

Advertisement

After all the fears about Spain not having a decent striker, Diego Costa steps up, bags two and suddenly they look like title contenders. Even though they only drew against the Ronaldo inspired Portugal, La Roja have looked the best of all the teams so far.

Iran started off in disarray against Morocco and I expected them to get a pasting. It is a tribute to their team spirit and coach, Carlos Queiroz, that they were able to fight back. Unfortunately for Iran, I can’t see them getting close to Spain today.

Day 7 Stuart Mike Daniel Tim Paul The Crowd
POR vs MOR POR POR POR POR POR POR
URU vs SAU URU URU URU URU URU URU
IRN vs SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN
Previous Total 4 4 7 5 6 7
Day 6 0 0 0 1 1 0
New Total 4 4 7 6 7 7

close